The Human Ant Theory

 Ants are marvelous creatures. Strong, fast, capable of working together to build giant structures or take down creatures many times their size -- in some ways, they're a lot like us.

Ants are as well the embodiment of self sacrifice. Most ants will never spread their genes, living solely for the good of the colony. Soldiers who can't feed themselves, living food banks, no-longer-living rafts, even doors; ants will do or become whatever their colony needs them to be, no matter the personal cost.

In human society, giving your all at the complete sacrifice of your individual needs and health is generally considered a bad thing. Humans have hobbies, mental health days, relationships, boundaries, etc.

Except for some humans. Some humans sacrifice more than the rest of us, at severe cost to their personal well being, and wouldn't be happy any other way.

Some humans risk their lives on a regular basis. Others work nearly 24/7, destroying their health. There are jobs that are pretty much guaranteed to lower your life expectancy, ruin your personal relationships, and give you constant stress; yet people still do them, dream of them even.

Tech moguls, soldiers, fire fighters, doctors -- these are but a few examples. Why? Why do some humans so willingly sacrifice so much?

For the same reason most ants do. Our society couldn't function, or would at least be much worse off, without these people. These Human Ants, who give themselves to the greater good, and wouldn't be happy any other way.

Another name for this might be The Superhero Effect. Superheroes in fiction often live dangerous lives full of stress and late nights, damaging their love lives and personal interests in a way few would accept. Why? Usually, it's because they just can't stand by while get hurt, they have to do something -- like an ant forming a raft, knowing it will die, so that the colony might live.

Society needs ants. We need superheroes. We need the people that see a burning building and run towards it, rather than away, because they know they can help. Without those people, who would put out the fires?

There is no shame in not being one of these people, as most people aren't. There is no shame in not wanting to work yourself to the bone for everyone else, it doesn't mean you are or have to be selfish.

On that same note, you don't have to be miserable just because you're an ant. Everyone should strive for healthy relationships, long life, enjoyable hobbies -- some people just do very necessary things that make it a little harder.

Humans are not literally ants, and we aren't as extreme. As a society, we should strive to make sure everyone can lead a fulfilling life.

But every once in a while, we get someone who is extreme. Someone who never gets sleep, is pretty much guaranteed to die young, can't manage a stable relationship, is always stressed amd always working, never has any free time or personal hobbies. And, yet, they manage to be incredibly 'successful' and revolutionize society.

We need to reach a point where we don't need such extremes. Where someone doesn't have to work themselves to death just to be successful. Where even the most self-sacrificing of ants can have good lives.