Society functions just like the human body: Many organs and tissues performing different roles, working together as one in a symbiotic relation with each other. As the functions provided by each and every organ is unique, contributing to the ultimate survival of the organism, failure of any one organ or tissue, results in the collapse of the whole system. However, in order for this symbiotic relationship among the organs and tissue of the human body, an effective communication system among them, must be established. Without this communication system, the organs and tissues would not only be able to function effectively as an organism but worst still, the cells that comprises these body parts would start to develop as an egoistic individual, resulting in cancer. Problems, such as diseases and cancer, could also arise as the result when they do not communicate effectively i.e. when the wrong protein molecules used for signalling are secreted or when the wrong receptors, used to interpret the signalling proteins, are produced. This analogy could be similiarly applied to society at hand, where many individuals perform various functions to support it and when communication breaks down, or when it is not effective, it becomes 'diseased'.
From the example above, communication can be seen to be comprised to two components: the signal as well as the receptor. When either one fails to work properly, communication breaks down. Thus, it is necessary to not only be able to communication ideas efficiently across but also be able to be persuasive enough, such that the 'receptor' is able to respond correctly. This can be attained by applying skills such as looking out for non verbal cues, being assertive and acquiring sensitivity when dealing with cultural issues. Such skills, on the microscopic level, would also serve to allow work teams to function smoothly and for key ideas to be effectively dispensed and executed. It can be even applied to relationships among friends, family and even between spouses, such that consensus on values, beliefs and expectations could be reached, reducing the possibility of friction and tension.
Hence, I believe, that besides developing the skills required of us, as university students, culturing effective communicative habits is just as important, for the simple fact: that we are able to live and function together peacefully and effectively, as a single body.
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4 comments:
Hi Eugene,
The human body is an apt analogy to our society. Plato's republic speaks of society at its pinnacle and this is what a healthy human body already is: a seamless communication network where every single component can be heard and understood.
While societal advancement may not achieve such an ideal manifestation as yet, effective communication would certainly have a role to play in doing so. By minimising conflict and amicable resolution of argument, we are able to keep peace in our world. Also, functionality can be boosted through the efficient use of communication protocols.
We should bear in mind that while each and every individual may be different in his or her approach to matters. But with sufficient communication finesse and active listening, barriers to being understood can be broken down.
Cheers!
Hi Eugene,
Using science as a analogy to illustrate the importance of effective communications is indeed suitable. No man is an island, and this quote applies to everything, from the smallest cells in our body to various organisms that form our ecosystem.
The failure of any individual part, or a failure to communicate, will result in a complete breakdown of the system.
In a way, the failure of man to communicate with his environment has resulted in our current problems, such as global warming and animal extinction.
Hopefully, we will all become more effective communicators and overcome such barriers.
Hi Eugene,
I particularly like your analogy about the human body. Communication is the link between proteins and receptors, just like communication builds a bridge between two people. Effective communication also helps to minimize misunderstandings that could lead to dire consequences. Following your example of the human body, it is just like a cell that has lost it's ability to proof-read mismatched DNA strands, which leads to the production of ineffective proteins that might eventually cause cell death.
Learning the skill of communicating effectively is a life long process, and overcoming the barriers would be the first step to developing it.
Cheers,
Jaymie
Hi Eugene, I can see that your analogy of the human body resonates well with your classmates here. Like them, I think you have done a wonderful job of explaining in an interesting way the importance of "culturing effective communicative habits" so that "we are able to live and function together peacefully and effectively, as a single body". Great job!
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