Are human relations reflective of symbiosis? Just like our communities, or lack of, plants, animals, and other aspects of Nature relate to one another in different ways. Perhaps it is safe to say that all creatures have a symbiotic relationship with another, and these forms may relate as well to social interaction. Mutualism is when two creatures benefit off of each other, which is clearly like friendship. Mimicry is how norms are formed, one creature imitating another. Individuals see another who is part of a culture, and they copy that other because they wish to be part of that culture.
Parasitism is easily recognized, we have all seen it, and likely have been on both sides. This is an important social function to recognize, for survival. In the Havamal, teachings from Old Europe, it warns to only stay at another's home for five days.
Mimicry may also be how we learned all these social behaviors which impact us today. This is not to claim hierarchy of one particular aspect of symbiosis, they are all obviously a natural part of, Nature. Being we are Nature, we have utilized all these behaviors in particular ways, and all, including those which seem to only hinder, perhaps are teachers above all and need to be embraced and integrated (akin to the Jungian Shadow) instead of this pseudo attempt at "rising above". Our dichotomous ideology creates a myth of negation. Doing one thing is bad, another is good. This creates shame and guilt, and empowers the idea of removing parts of the whole.
Understanding is acceptance. To understand the world around us, all the saints and sinners, and as the Chinese proverb states to accept them all and love them, is to accept.
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