An expirment was conducted with two fish. The fish were different species, one of which normally fed on the other. Researchers constructed a special aqaurium with a glass divider in the center that created an invisible barrier between the two fish.
When they were first placed in the aqaurium, the predator fish repeatedly banged against the divider in an attempt to get to the other fish. It wanted its prey. As time passed however, the fish accepted the existance of the barrier and eventually gave up trying to get to the other fish.
At some point later on, the researchers removed the glass divider but each fish continued to swim in its respective zone of the aqaurium, completely unaware that the barrier no longer existed.
The lesson is to ask ourselves, what barriers were set for us long ago that we just accept as still being there? Isn't it ok to test them now and then and see if we've grown or if things have changed?
Interesting thought. However, if one is to think on this further, might it be dangerous for one party if the metaphor were followed with predator/prey? Maybe it's best that we maintain the invisible barrier in some such situations.
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