In tough times slime molds emit a pheromone that attracts others of their kind to form a group fruiting body. Members of one class of slime molds, the Myxomycetes, organize themselves in this way when conditions in their environment become dry. That slime molds communicate via a pheromone is an indication of how important communication is among colonial organisms, humans included, especially in tough times. The communication among slime molds brings them together physically for the common good.
Are we different from slime molds during the hard times of a pandemic? Apparently, we have attracted one another into groups that produce similar ideological fruit, but that fruit seems as real as plastic prop fruit used on stage or as “permanent” decorations on coffee tables. Sure, we have gathered together, but not the way slime molds gather in tough times to produce real spores. Instead, we have gathered online, Zooming our way to collectively producing virtual fruit.
Maybe slime molds can teach us a lesson about surviving hard times by communicating "in person."
Are we different from slime molds during the hard times of a pandemic? Apparently, we have attracted one another into groups that produce similar ideological fruit, but that fruit seems as real as plastic prop fruit used on stage or as “permanent” decorations on coffee tables. Sure, we have gathered together, but not the way slime molds gather in tough times to produce real spores. Instead, we have gathered online, Zooming our way to collectively producing virtual fruit.
Maybe slime molds can teach us a lesson about surviving hard times by communicating "in person."
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