In 2017, while teaching at a private school, I experienced an unforgettable moment that continues to shape my perspective on resilience and adaptation. The school had a tradition of inviting motivational speakers every Sunday to inspire students. One Sunday, we hosted Njoki Chege, a well-known journalist whose City Girl column had earned her a reputation for being sharp, fearless, and thought-provoking. That day, she chose to speak about “The Smallest Four Creatures,” a departure from the usual admiration for Africa’s “Big Five.” Her message was unexpected yet profoundly impactful, a reminder that size does not determine strength and that even the tiniest beings in the natural world carry lessons that humans can apply to life.
She began by discussing the tardigrade, a microscopic creature known for its near-indestructibility. The tardigrade can survive in extreme heat and cold, endure radiation levels that would kill most organisms, and even withstand the vacuum of space. When conditions become unbearable, it enters a cryptobiotic state, shutting down its metabolism completely, only to revive when circumstances improve.
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It can remain suspended for years, waiting for the right moment to spring back to life. From this tiny organism, we learn the power of resilience. Life is unpredictable and filled with hardships that can feel insurmountable. But like tardigrades, those who endure patiently and adaptably will survive even the most challenging seasons. There are times when we must retreat, conserve our energy, and wait for the storm to pass. It is not a weakness but a strategy. And when the moment is right, we rise again, stronger than before.
Then she spoke of the bumblebee bat, the most miniature bat in the world. Weighing less than a penny and no bigger than a human thumb, this bat is an expert hunter, using echolocation to navigate and catch prey with remarkable precision. It moves with confidence and efficiency despite its size. The lesson here is that greatness is not determined by physical stature but by skill and intelligence.
Many people believe they are too small to make a difference and too insignificant to chase after big dreams. But the bumblebee bat teaches us that success is not about being the biggest or the loudest; it is about mastering our abilities and using them to carve out a place in the world. Even when we feel like we don’t measure up to others, we must remember that our strength lies in our unique talents and determination.
Extreme environment
Njoki then turned our attention to the Paedocypris fish. These tiny species thrive in highly acidic swamps and peat bogs where most other fish would perish. Its survival in such an extreme environment is a result of remarkable adaptation. It does not resist its circumstances; instead, it adjusts to them. This, Njoki emphasized, is the secret to thriving in a constantly changing world.
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Many people spend their lives fighting against situations they cannot change, resisting challenges instead of learning how to navigate them. The Paedocypris fish reminds us that survival often depends on our ability to adapt. Change is inevitable, and those who embrace it instead of fearing it will always find ways to succeed where others fail. Rather than seeing obstacles as barriers, we should view them as opportunities to grow stronger, develop new skills, and find new paths forward.
Finally, she introduced us to the pygmy seahorse, a master of camouflage. This tiny creature blends so perfectly with its coral habitat that it becomes nearly invisible to predators. Its ability to adapt to its surroundings keeps it safe. From the pygmy seahorse, we learn the importance of timing and strategy. In life, there are moments to stand out and blend in.
Best approach
There are times when bold action is required and when observation and patience are the best approach. Knowing when to move and wait can make the difference between failure and success, whether in social settings, business ventures, or personal goals. The world does not always reward reckless visibility; sometimes, the wisest move is to assess the landscape, prepare carefully, and strike when the moment is right.
As Njoki concluded her talk, the room was silent; every student was lost in thought. She had shifted their perspective as she had mine. The focus was no longer on the mighty and the grand but on the small and the overlooked. These tiny creatures, often dismissed or unnoticed, held lessons more profound than we had imagined. Strength is not about size but resilience, intelligence, adaptation, and strategy.
That speech stayed with me, and over the years, I have found myself returning to those lessons time and time again. I think of the tardigrade and its ability to endure whenever life presents overwhelming challenges. I remember the bumblebee bat and its quiet mastery when I feel small or inadequate. When faced with difficult circumstances beyond my control, I channel the adaptability of the Paedocypris fish. And when decisions require patience and careful planning, I draw from the wisdom of the pygmy seahorse.
Nature has always been a teacher, but sometimes its most potent lessons come from the tiniest creatures. They remind us that survival and success are not about brute force but resilience, intelligence, and the ability to adapt. They challenge us to rethink what it means to be strong and to recognize that even in our smallest moments, we hold the potential for greatness.
By Kamomonti wa Kiambati
Kamomonti teaches English and Literature in Gatundu North Sub County.
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