Collective Soul

I heard an interesting supposition recently that we are not, each of us, a single entity, but a collective of smaller independent organisms.

These organisms, familiarly known as human cells...

(just stay with me here, people)

...each have a primitive consciousness and function according to self preservation, rather than simple mechanism.*

As such, not only are individual tasks completed...


...but "higher organisms"** are formed, not as the result of some central imperative, but through a cooperative alliance.***





At least that's the theory!


Meanwhile, we have to somehow figure out how to somehow integrate the parts.




*Okay, it's a little out of left field to posit that cells choose their actions, but I'll leave it to the naysayers to address the point. ; )
** Not unlike myself!
***Such alliances might have evolved over time as a kind of survival strategy.