ELI5: Interdependence

Interdependence means that people need and rely on each other to live happily, safely, and comfortably every single day.

Think of everyday life like a giant, colorful puzzle. You are one piece of the puzzle, and other people are the other pieces. A single puzzle piece cannot make a complete picture by itself; all the pieces have to connect and fit together to make the whole image work.

In everyday life, nobody can do everything completely on their own. We all share jobs and help one another, even without realizing it:

• Breakfast time: You might eat cereal with milk in the morning, but you did not milk the cow, grow the wheat, or drive the delivery truck to the grocery store. A farmer, a truck driver, and a store clerk all worked together so you could have your breakfast.
• Going to school: The bus driver helps you get to school safely, the teacher helps you learn new things, and you help your classmates by sharing your toys and listening.
• Staying healthy: When you get sick, you rely on a doctor to give you medicine, and that doctor relies on other people to keep the lights on in the hospital and clean the rooms.