The Thai Cave Rescue

I, like much of the world, was riveted by the cave rescue of the Thai soccer team.  This miraculous event has lessons on so many levels for our world.

In one sense a rescue like this seems to be a wildly extravagant and foolish use of resources.  People die tragically every day.  Why make such a massive effort to rescue 13 people who somewhat imprudently risked their lives by entering the cave at the onset of the monsoon season?

The answer is of course that human life is precious, and that something in our nature can cause us to go to extraordinary measures and conquer incredible obstacles to save another life.  We are at our best in these instances, and at a very basic level we all understand that.

What are some of the lessons we learned?  I made a list:

1. Humans from different cultures, ethnic groups, organizations and countries can work together harmoniously when they choose to do so; when there is a common goal and a result that benefits all.  
2. Don’t be frustrated or deterred by early disappointments.  The efforts to find the Thai soccer team did not produce results for over a week and there was every reason to believe that the team was no longer alive.  I read that many of the cave divers were preparing to abandon the search because of the technical difficulties, but when they saw the Thai Navy seals heading back into the cave to risk their lives with inadequate equipment and cave experience they were so moved that they changed their minds and re-committed themselves to the task. 
3. Let the experts lead the way; take advantage of skill and knowledge.  The ultimate success in finding and rescuing the team occurred because everyone deferred to the right people whose expertise guided the operation.  Many of our challenges today could benefit from acknowledging the expertise of people who have dedicated themselves to understanding and finding solutions to these problems, whether in healthcare, immigration, climate, trade, welfare, diplomacy, energy, gun control, crime or prisons.  There are experts in all of these fields. They should be driving the process rather than politicians who are pandering to the half-baked ideas of powerful businesses or wealthy individuals. 
4. Celebrate the result and whatever successes that occur in a way that promotes further harmony and community.  The Thai cave rescuers spoke as one about the teamwork and the contributions that every team member made.  Even the cave divers, who could have been singled out as celebrities, have been resolute in their rejection of any labels of heroism and have instead spoken consistently about the team effort and the amazing community of volunteers from so many countries.  Hopefully these divers will not succumb to the overwhelming media pressure to make them the heroes of the day.  We have a tendency to want to create individual superheroes rather than celebrate the heroic measures of the group. 
5. Be grateful for the good in this world and humble in receiving it.  The Thai youth that emerged from the cave showed amazing grace and gratitude for their rescue.  Their first act was to pay solemn respect and thanks to the Navy Seal who had perished in the rescue.  Their gentle nature and humble gratitude to all who had contributed to the operation was a powerful testament to the better angels of our humanity.

The search and rescue of the soccer team was not some macho military operation or a Hollywood script, though no doubt it will quickly be turned into one.  There was little in the way of posturing, bickering, grandstanding or other dramatic plot twists that beg for heroes and villains to be identified.  On the contrary, the rescue was a quiet, earnest and methodical operation with a cast of thousands and a single burning purpose – to show the world what can be done when we all work together.