Being human leads us to see ourselves as vastly superior to all other beings and to perceive no commonalities between us and those considered "inferior".
Despite our belief that we are fundamentally different, Sue Monk Kidd's novel, The Secret Life of Bees, demonstrates the similarities between humans and bees. Through the comparison of bee hives to human communities at various scales, from families to towns and cities, Kidd suggests that we all share a desire for love and a reverence for life.
In addition to illustrating the distinctions between replacing a leader and harboring feelings of hatred, Kidd also highlights how two contrasting communities function, providing an insight into life's mechanics. Humans may view themselves as vastly different from a bee, but there are numerous nuances that must be taken into consideration. Specifically, a
...hive cannot survive without its queen, and the absence of one can result in demoralization and a cessation of work.
(286) Whereas human governments involve the election of a leader and the appointment of a successor in case of the leader's absence, bee communities collapse if their queen dies or departs. Moreover, humans have the capacity to both feel and reason independently, with hate being among our most powerful emotions.
To our understanding, bees function as a collective unit and do not have animosity towards one another. Despite the obvious differences between humans and bees, there are also similarities. Some individuals may not perceive themselves as similar to honey bees, but author Munro Leaf suggests otherwise. In his book, he states that both the human world and the bee world follow the same principles - namely, to not be afraid as no bee
with a love for life wishes to sting. (92)
The world of humans and bees share similarities. Both consist of organized communities managed by a leader. Additionally, individuals who are content and cherish their lives tend not to display aggression, which holds true for both species. Though bees do not harbor hatred, they are capable of affection. It is important, therefore, to express love and kindness towards bees as every living being desires to be loved.
According to Sue Monk Kidd, love is crucial in everyone's life, regardless of who we are. This assertion is validated by the fact that love plays a critical role in both human and bee societies. Despite the striking differences in their physical appearance, humans and bees share striking similarities. Sue Monk Kidd draws a comparison between these two societies to highlight both the similarities and the distinctions between them, which helps us to discover new insights about our lives. In contrast to bees, humans can swiftly replace a fallen leader and still maintain a well-functioning society.
Despite our ability to hate each other, unlike bees, humans and bees share some similarities. Both humans and bees who love life are less likely to act negatively towards others. Additionally, bees and humans desire love. So, the next time you consider killing a 'insignificant' bee, remember it is not so different from you and spare its life.
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