Why are teachers the key to civilization?

[fathi]

It was a documentary program featuring a bird. I can't recall the specific location, but based on the tape and the geographical context, it seems to be from the northern hemisphere, possibly in northern Europe or Canada.

The bird perched on a tree branch near a lake, while on the opposite side of the lake, two children—a boy and a girl—were tossing bread crumbs into the water. The crumbs created circular ripples, starting with a small diameter and gradually expanding as they moved away from the point of impact. Soon enough, some fish appeared and began feeding on the bread.

The bird observed the scene intently. It remained in place. Once they were gone, the bird flew to the exact spot where the children had been standing, picked up some leftover bread crumbs with its beak, positioned itself in front of the lake just like the children had, and tossed the bread.

Based on the diameter of the initial ripple, we could infer that the bird had thrown the crumbs with the same force as the child. Its action produced the same effect, attracting fish to the area. Seizing an opportunity, the bird swooped down on one of the fish, caught it, and flew away.

Despite the passage of time, I have never forgotten this scene. The bird watched, learned, deduced, and implemented!

Consider this: Why hasn't this bird species built a civilization? It possesses all the necessary ingredients—a remarkable ability to learn and deduce, coupled with the capability to implement its knowledge. What is missing within this system that prevents this bird species from developing a civilization?

After many years, I finally found the answer: The missing component is the transmission of information between generations.

This bird can acquire knowledge and experience, but it fails to pass it on to subsequent generations of its kind, thus preventing the accumulation of knowledge and hindering the development of a civilization.
So, what does this bird have to do with our esteemed teachers?
Teachers are the ones who impart knowledge from one generation to the next. They serve as the bridge for intergenerational cohesion. It is through them that the knowledge structure, on which civilizations are built, is completed.

Never underestimate the vital role of teachers.
We owe our heartfelt gratitude to them.
A profound thank you.

 

[Swamp Thing]

Seems it's not a terribly rare strategy among fish eating birds ...

Just one of many search results:



Maybe the bird in the OP was just waiting for the bread to become available, rather than learning at that moment.And here's a bird snatching back the bait when the approaching fish are too big to catch, then "casting" again after they swim away.

 

[Hornbein]

Animals can learn and teach one another. The difference between them and what humans do is one of degree.

 

[PeroK]

As I understand it, humans have two vital characteristics in addition to intelligence. The first is dexterity, which allows a wide range of manual activities. Such as making fire from friction.It doesn't matter how intelligent a bird is, it has a very limited ability to manipulate and build things. Likewise, whales and dolphins have even less ability to manipulate their environment, no matter how intelligent they become.

The second is a flexible vocal system that allows a sophisticated system of verbal communication. Monkeys and apes as well as birds lack the control over their vocal tract to develop speech.