‘Life doesn’t make any sense without interdependence. We need each other, and the sooner we learn that, it is better for us all.’ -Erik Erikson

Erik Erickson was a psychologist known for his views on psychological developments of the human being. In the given quote he is emphasizing on the importance of the interdependencies of human beings. 

Inevitable Interdependencies:

• Individuals: From infancy till old-age, at all stages of life we are dependent on each other for our various needs. For food, belongingness, security and support. Health services, education, employment all these are possible only through interdependencies.

• Families and communities: a single family alone cannot survive. Same as an individual it is dependent on other families for their needs. Socially, economically, and even biologically a single family cannot survive on its own. 

• Countries: Globalization and the Internet has proved that when we trade our resources, information and services with each other we can bring out larger benefits to humanity. 

What happens if interdependencies are not realized?

• Individuals often feel insecure, lonely and suffer from mental health issues as we are observing with increasing urbanization and distancing from social dependencies.

• Survival of communities becomes difficult in isolation and they may not grow with the other communities around.

• North Korea is an example of an isolated nation, they are lagging behind in all the modern aspects of polity, economy and social liberties.

Since childhood we have been taught that Man is a social animal. For attaining the greater goals of peace and harmony along with other SDGs it is imminent to realize that interdependencies can do miracles.