Two Lessons We Can Learn From Ant Colonies

Ant colonies operate without central control. This is difficult to imagine, and it's easy to attribute control where there isn't any.

In fact, there are many familiar systems that work beautifully without anything in charge; brains and the internet are among the many examples. No neuron tells another what to think about. In the same way, no ant gives directions or instructions to another. An ant colony consists of many sterile female workers -- the ones you see walking around -- and one or more reproductive females. Even though these reproductives are called "queens," they have no power or authority. They just lay the eggs.