Omer 2019 Day 24: Bonobos

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Omer 2019 Day 24: Tiferet in Netzach, Compassion in Victory

Bonobos

How do we show compassion in victory, suppress our urge to gloat, and not go in for the kill? Today, we can take a lesson on compassion in victory from bonobos.

Image by Sasin Tipchai from Pixabay

Primatologist Frans de Waal says, "Whereas in most primates reconciliation after a fight is typically sought by the subordinate party, in bonobos it is the dominant animal that seeks to make amends, especially if he has inflicted an injury. He may return to his victim and unerringly reach for the exact same toe that he has bitten and carefully inspect the damage. He obviously knows precisely what he has done and where. Then he spends half an hour or more licking and cleaning the wound that he himself inflicted."

Don't be afraid to make the first move toward reconciliation after a fight, especially if you "won" the argument. Showing compassion instead of gloating can bring healing and spare the other party further embarrassment.

This year's animal Omer is a collaboration between myself and my friend Halli, a PhD in animal science. Thank you for counting the Omer with us!