The concept of symbiosis may help us understand reciprocity. In biology, symbiosis is a prolonged relationship between two or more interdependent organisms, usually to their mutual benefit. In the human sphere, we add to this a sense of mutual obligation – and this is reciprocity. Belonging is reinforced by this sense of obligation. In its absence we tend to fall into a liberal preoccupation with rights, which permits us to benefit from others as long as we do them no harm. Worse, we may descend into outright parasitism, where our benefit actually comes at the expense of the other