The meaning of 'flea in a jar experiment'

Flea in a jar experiment

Summary of the experiment

The experiment is involves placing fleas within a glass jar and observing their behaviour. When the jar lid is open, fleas easily leap beyond the height of the jar. The approximate height a flea can jump is somewhere inbetween 15 cm (5.9 inches) to 25 cm (9.8 inches). This is more than 100 times its own height. 

When the lid is closed, the fleas initially leap and crash onto the lid and then finally end up jumping to a height slightly lower than that of the lid to avoid crashing. 

When the lid is reopened, the fleas have already adjusted to a new height such that they do not leap beyond the jar's height. Even the offspring of these fleas follow the same behaviour and do not jump beyond the height of the jar.

Meaning of the experiment

This experiment is a classic reflection of the stubborn and recurrent challenges and how people tend to 'solve' these problems by avoiding them altogether. 

The ultimate lesson from the experiment is that the fear of failure can permanently shrink anyone's potential. Avoiding a challenge today does not exempt you from the same problem tomorrow. Rather, it only limits your potential as far as tomorrow's achievements are concerned.

Interestingly, the lesson is presented indirectly through a display of the effects of continued trial and failure. It also shows an adjustment made (whilst unaware) in a bid to avoid failure.

This leads to more than just one ultimate lesson being grasped from the experiment. 

Lessons from the experiment

1. As mentioned earlier, the first lesson points out at the negative effects of fear of failure. Failure can be a painful experience, and the thought of going through it over and over again can be unbearable. I imagine the fleas got a nasty headache from all that crashing onto the lid such that they dreaded crashing into it again. 

The problem with giving up is that even when the lid is opened, you don't stand a chance.

2. If at first you don't succeed, try, try, try again

3. Never settle for less. Define your purpose and always push to reach your full potential. Even if it means you get a few headaches from crashing, pick yourself up and try one more time.