Lesson 21

It is not the strongest or even the smartest that survive. Rather, it is the most adaptable that thrive. This is only greatly amplified in the fast world of AI where change is happening at an unprecedented pace.

I have been a student of the Tao Te Ching for the last decade. Much of the book is about learning from nature, and many of the 81 verses are about water. Water is the ultimate embodiment of adaptability. It perfectly forms and fits to whatever container you put it in. Further, when there is an obstacle in the path to the goal, water doesn’t get frustrated and complain like we humans often do. No — it simply takes a different path and goes around. What if we had this mindset with our projects and with our lives? How much farther along would we be on our journeys?

It is very easy to look at water as an inanimate object that has no real intelligence, however both spirituality and science tell a different story.  In spiritual traditions (like Taoism), we learn that water is not just about adaptability, but so much more. For instance, have you noticed that water always goes to the lowest places first — making sure they are properly nourished before the highest places? What if we took this approach in society? What if we made sure the people who truly needed help received it first? Additionally, think about a tree branch with water running through it versus a dried branch on the ground. You can easily snap the branch without water, but the branch with water bends instead of breaking.

You yourself are mostly water. It is said that the human body is made up of 60-70% water, even though different sources give slightly different percentages. However, most agree that the brain is a higher percentage of water, and it is the first part of the body to be affected by dehydration. Experts also agree that babies have a significantly higher percentage of water. It is interesting to note that people tend to become less adaptable,  more rigid, and more susceptible to “breaking” (both physically and mentally) as they get older (and are a lower percentage of water). Correlation is not causation, but it is fascinating to see how connected water and adaptability are.

It is important to stay hydrated for focus, as well as for overall health. It is also important to learn from water and build its teachings — like adaptability and helping those who need it most — into our systems. Think about water more, and be more like water.