Chapter 1: The Soundtrack of Summer

Cicadas play the role of summer's white noise, creating a lo-fi ambiance that signals the season. Their incessant buzzing serves as a backdrop to heated discussions under the sweltering sun, accompanied by stylish sunglasses and sun-kissed skin. These insects spend 17 years hidden away, only to emerge for a brief two weeks in the light. Their fleeting lives serve as a reminder of the urgency to embrace love and connection, especially when time is limited.

While many people tend to criticize these creatures for their appearance—bulging eyes and limbs that seem to belong in a horror film—their rhythmic buzzing often provokes the most annoyance. It's interesting to note that exposure to sounds reaching 100 decibels for over fifteen minutes can lead to hearing damage. Coincidentally, cicadas produce their beats at similar levels. Perhaps it’s just our ears overwhelmed by an abundance of sound, akin to car enthusiasts who crank up the bass too high.

Chapter 2: Lessons from the Cicada

Their presence, though noisy and often unpleasant, offers profound lessons in perspective. We have a tendency to focus on the negative—this is known as negativity bias. It leads us to remember unpleasant experiences more vividly than positive ones. When we view cicadas purely as a nuisance, we overlook their extraordinary adaptations. They undergo a remarkable transformation to fly, a skill they have little opportunity to practice during their lengthy time underground. Their lifespan cleverly avoids overlap with predators, thanks to prime numbers.

Furthermore, cicadas possess wings that repel water and bacteria, inspiring advancements in technology. They teach us more than just practical lessons; they impart wisdom about life itself.

Life Lessons to Embrace:

• Collaborate and avoid solitude.
• Embrace change, regardless of how long it takes.
• Voice your passions loudly.
• Life is fleeting; don’t let fear hold you back.
• Move forward from your past.

As summer approaches, we may not witness the emergence of Brood XXII Magicicada this year. However, various other species will soon grace us with their presence. Let us welcome them with open minds and ears, ready to learn from their unique existence.

In this video, "Circadian Rhythm," discover how natural cycles influence our lives and the behaviors of creatures like cicadas.

In "What Makes You Tick: Circadian Rhythms," explore the science behind our internal clocks and their significance in the natural world.