The systems of the holobiont do not calculate the costs of survival; they simply do the work that is in front of them. Of course these thousands of organisms do not feel they are loving in doing what they do. Nevertheless, they reflect the love with which we are to act, that is, they give of themselves without regard to the worthiness of their beneficiary. The mystic, monk, and scholar Thomas Merton makes a similar argument: "Our job is to love others without stopping to inquire whether or not they are worthy. That is not our business and, in fact, it is nobody's business. What we are asked to do is to love, and this love itself will render both ourselves and our neighbors worthy if anything can." Indeed, love, in this world, is always a mercy, a gift offered from the self for the sake of the other, and not a reward for good behavior. Still more, this love is a necessity for daily living, like water and food. Feed the hungry, with your love, dear one. Make your life a series of tender mercies.