Nature offers clues to systems we can’t yet see

Imagine walking through a forest where every rotting log, every cluster of mushrooms, is part of an immense underground network. Mycelium—those delicate, threadlike filaments—twist through the soil, connecting tree to tree like neural wires in a brain. As you tiptoe past a patch of wood chips, you’re not just seeing a pile of debris but a factory where fungi break down organic matter, recycle nutrients, and support new life. This vast fungal web also transmits signals: when one tree is attacked by insects, it can warn its neighbors by sending chemical cues through shared mycelial links. These hidden networks reveal nature’s genius for resilience and collaboration, offering powerful metaphors and models for human systems like corporations, brains, or computers. The more we appreciate these subterranean connections, the better we can design our own thriving networks above ground.

Take that sketch from the woods, share it with colleagues or family, and discuss how underground networks mirror the invisible systems around you. Use this fresh lens to spot untapped connections—whether in your team, community, or personal pursuits—inviting a mindset shift toward collaboration and sustainability.