Nusayba Ahmed Professor Bowring Expository Writing (01:355:101) 1 November 2016 Animalistic Intuition As creatures, humans have come a long way from their animal counterparts. They no longer hunt for food, or fight for survival, but some of the animalistic characteristics are still intact. Just as animals do, humans tend to follow a herd mentality. They do what they are told to do, and work with others within a complex system. A system that is dependent upon the individuals within groups completing tasks. Just like the ants described in Steven Johnson’s essay “The Myth of the Ant Queen,” humans are part of a complex system. Part of this complex system includes intelligence. Examples of complex systems include ant colonies, cities, and show that intelligence of the whole system comes from the lack of any central form of authority or any specific rules. In Cathy Davidson’s essay “Project Classroom” she emphasizes that when students enter education they become part of a complex system, but the most important thing they must realize is that their intelligence is based on cooperation and collaboration. Intelligence is not an aspect of individualism, but a characteristic that emerges from individuals working together in collaboration within societies. …show more content…
Within the ant colony there is a queen, contrary to popular belief but the queen is not an authority figure. Her purpose is to lay eggs, she has no actual control over what the other ants do, but they protect her not because they have to, but her safety ensures that the system runs smoothly. Johnson compares that complex system to the city of Manchester. He mentions and analyzes the working class-districts and the middle class. The divide amongst classes was not purposeful, but most beneficial to the inner workings of the complexity of