The novel Determined by Robert Sapolsky has an associated e book along with the audiobook and this has an extensive bibliography with author notes!
In one of the references, Robert makes an interesting observation on a well known proverb!
The proverb is about locusts!
“Locusts have no king, yet they advance together in ranks”
This proverb actually highlights unity, teamwork, and orderly movement without a central leader.
It emphasizes that, despite being small, they are “exceedingly wise” by operating collectively, mirroring an army’s, structure.
This is based on the observation that while normally solitary, locusts enter a “gregarious phase” when stressed, moving in massive, coordinated swarms!
This symbolism is often used to demonstrate how a team or community can achieve massive goals through collaboration and unity, rather than relying on a single leader!
In fact the context has been extended to many other animals and insects like ants, rock badgers, and spiders that demonstrate significant, instinctive efficiency while working as a team!
The quote is thus frequently used as a metaphor for organized, collaborative action!
But; well you knew a BUT was coming!
As Robert states in the end with a question which he answers himself!
It goes like this’ “Oh, and by the way, why do locusts march?”
With all the philosophy and lore; the answer is actually pretty shocking!
“Each locust marches forward because the locust immediately behind is trying to eat it!”
So the real reason Locusts march in coordinated bands mainly is to avoid cannibalism by hungry, overcrowding neighbors!
When populations surge, the insects switch from solitary to gregarious behavior, creating massive, dense groups that march to find food and escape being eaten by the locusts immediately behind them, creating a relentless “forced march”!
Of course even that is philosophical! MOVE or I will eat you!
But if someone does try to do that you can go to court! Or try Rajat Sharma and his Aap Ki adalat!
Stay away from locusts though!
SHubh ratri!
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