Is Cooperation a Lost Art?
Neil Mufson, Head of School
Given our nation’s evermore frayed political climate, the world’s seemingly countless, intractable conflicts, and our planet’s perilous, much-neglected state, it can feel futile to talk with our children about cooperation, The Primary Day value for January. Perhaps, though, it is more important than at any time in recent memory.
Against a backdrop of seemingly unprecedented discord and tension, we have to seize every opportunity to teach our children about the importance of working collaboratively toward common goals. While most individuals cannot influence global events, we can teach our children that they can indeed be more in control of their own spheres if they learn the power of interacting positively and collaboratively with others. Consideration of differing points of view, compromise, and partnership are delicate arts that, with practice, can lead to accomplishments that are far greater than individuals can achieve on their own. By seizing teachable moments in school, within families, and when we are around our children as they interact with their friends, we can help them hone their cooperative skills and gain a better sense of our interconnectedness. Even though some species possess such native tendencies, humans must learn, practice, build, and maximize them.
Economists predict that of the top 10 jobs that Primary Day children will encounter when they enter the work force, 6 aren’t even invented yet; but they posit that all 10 will demand collaboration. This is probably not so surprising since cooperation is at the base of much of what humans achieve. As John Donne observed as early as the 16th century, “No man is an island.”