Movement and Conversation

Some time ago, I caught a YouTube documentary that focused on the evolution of humans.

In this particular show, the discussion focused on early humans as hunter-gatherers. It was essential to observe the importance of mobility for the sole purpose of survival.

At some point, the narrator said, “Humans are made for movement.”

It has been a while since I heard this comment, and it has not escaped my mind. In fact, when I don’t feel like working out, I am reminded that I am made to be active.

I need to get on the move!

Fortunately, today, it is not required for us to physically go hunting for our food. In some cases, the food can be delivered directly to our doorstep in a matter of minutes.

However, movement is still required for us to get anything done …

(a)??We need to move around the house to get daily chores done. They will not take care of themselves.

(b) We need to move to get our jobs done. Even if we work remotely, we must make our way to the home office.

(c)? We need to move to attend functions for our kids, concerts with our friends, and faith events with our Brothers and Sisters.

Thus, even though we are no longer classified as hunter-gatherers, getting things done mandates that we are mobile.

But there is more! Conversation!

Here is where I deviate a bit from the documentary.

Movement is just one part of the equation. To become a valuable part of any community, it is also essential that we are able to hold meaningful conversations with others.

In fact, from similar human evolution documentaries, I remember the discussion pertaining to the importance language skills played in advancing early humans along the way.

As a professor today, I spend much less time with PowerPoint presentations. In fact, I mention to my students that we will gather to have a conversation about the topic. My point here is that there is value in the interaction, something that can easily be lost in a traditional lecture where the instructor covers slide-after-slide of content.

Conversation stimulates critical thinking skills, and it values everyone in the room, even when our call is virtual.

My guess is that human evolution depended on people working together to discuss ideas and plans. In other words, even our very early ancestors understood the importance of valuing the opinions of others.

They knew that working as a team was necessary to subsist.

Today

As a professor, I have spoken to many other educators about the impact of artificial intelligence and how it may shape future generations. There is a very real fear that our future workforce will be staffed with individuals lacking the ability to handle complex problems.?

I do think there is something to these concerns.

Therefore, regardless of our role (i.e., parent, teacher, partner, friend, colleague), I think we need to focus on two basic human needs: movement and conversation.

This again reminds me that life, and human existence for that matter, are far less complex than I first imagined.

See you next week, my friends!

Homework Inquiry

During the next week, here’s your homework inquiry: How many meaningful conversations will you have?