Tribe

1. Tribalism's Appeal: A Lost Connection

Humans don’t mind hardship, in fact they thrive on it; what they mind is not feeling necessary.

The human need for purpose. Modern society, with its emphasis on individual achievement and material comfort, often leaves people feeling isolated and unnecessary. Tribal societies, by contrast, offer a strong sense of belonging and purpose, where every member is vital to the group's survival. This inherent need for purpose is why many find war or disaster strangely fulfilling, as it provides a clear role and a sense of collective effort.

Egalitarianism and loyalty. Tribal life fosters intense loyalty because of its fundamental egalitarianism. Personal property is limited, preventing vast inequalities of wealth. Social status is earned through hunting, war, or contributions to the community, ensuring that everyone has a chance to prove their worth. This creates a strong sense of shared fate and mutual dependence, leading to unwavering loyalty and a willingness to sacrifice for the group.

The modern void. The absence of this tribal connection in modern society leads to a profound sense of loss. People crave the solidarity, the shared purpose, and the feeling of being essential to something larger than themselves. This longing explains why some individuals are drawn to extreme groups or ideologies that offer a sense of belonging, even if it comes at a high cost.

2. The Paradox of Civilization: Comfort vs. Belonging

Thousands of Europeans are Indians, and we have no examples of even one of those Aborigines having from choice become European.

The allure of tribal life. Despite the material advantages of Western civilization, many individuals throughout history have chosen to join tribal societies. This phenomenon highlights the powerful appeal of communal living, egalitarianism, and a sense of belonging that is often lacking in modern life. The freedom and autonomy offered by tribal societies, where individual needs are secondary to the group's well-being, can be more attractive than the comforts and conveniences of civilization.

The !Kung example. The !Kung people of the Kalahari Desert demonstrate that a Stone-Age existence can be surprisingly fulfilling. They work only a few hours a week, share resources equitably, and maintain a strong sense of community. Their lives, though materially simple, are rich in social connection and personal control, challenging the notion that modern society creates a surplus of leisure time.

Modern isolation. Modernization has led to increased individualism and isolation. People can now live independently from any communal group, surrounded by strangers yet feeling deeply alone. This isolation contributes to higher rates of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues, suggesting that affluence and safety may not be a good trade for freedom and connection.

3. War's Dark Allure: Unity in Adversity

Whatever I say about war, I still hate it... I do miss something from the war.

The intoxicating virtues of war. While war is undeniably destructive and tragic, it also inspires ancient human virtues such as courage, loyalty, and selflessness. These qualities can be intensely appealing to those who experience them, creating a sense of purpose and camaraderie that is often absent in peacetime. This is why some combat veterans, despite the horrors they have witnessed, find themselves missing the war.

The Iroquois model. The Iroquois Nation recognized the transformative power of war by developing separate systems of government for peacetime and wartime. This allowed them to harness the virtues of war while protecting civilians from its excesses. Modern society, however, often struggles to reconcile the demands of war with the values of peace, leaving soldiers feeling alienated upon their return.

The longing for connection. The "something" that is missed from war is not the violence or danger, but the unity and shared purpose that adversity often engenders. In times of crisis, people depend more on one another, creating a closeness that can be deeply fulfilling. This longing for connection explains why even civilians sometimes express nostalgia for periods of hardship, such as the London Blitz or the AIDS epidemic.

4. PTSD: A Modern Malady of Disconnection

You’ll have to be prepared to say that we are not a good society—that we are an antihuman society.

Short-term vs. long-term PTSD. Short-term PTSD is a natural and adaptive response to trauma, designed to keep individuals vigilant and out of harm's way. Long-term PTSD, however, is maladaptive and relatively uncommon, affecting a minority of those exposed to trauma. The key factor in determining whether someone develops chronic PTSD is not the severity of the trauma itself, but their experiences and vulnerabilities prior to the event.

The role of social support. Recovery from trauma is heavily influenced by social factors. Lack of social support is a strong predictor of PTSD, suggesting that isolation and disconnection can exacerbate the effects of trauma. In contrast, cohesive and egalitarian societies provide a buffer against PTSD, offering a sense of belonging and shared purpose that aids in healing.

The American paradox. Despite spending billions on PTSD treatment, the US military has the highest reported PTSD rate in its history. This paradox suggests that the problem is not solely trauma on the battlefield, but the difficulty of re-entering a society that is increasingly fragmented and alienating. The lack of social resilience in modern America contributes to the high rates of PTSD among veterans, highlighting the need for greater community connection and support.

5. The Illusion of Safety: Community Breakdown

The beauty and the tragedy of the modern world is that it eliminates many situations that require people to demonstrate a commitment to the collective good.

The price of protection. Modern society, with its police and fire departments and its advanced infrastructure, has eliminated many of the challenges that once required people to rely on one another. This has created a sense of safety and security, but it has also diminished the opportunities for individuals to demonstrate their commitment to the collective good. The absence of these opportunities can lead to a sense of disconnection and a weakening of social bonds.

The erosion of trust. The lack of connectedness in modern society allows for selfish and dishonest behavior to flourish. Fraud, corruption, and abuse of entitlement programs are rampant, costing society billions of dollars each year. These actions erode trust and undermine the sense of shared responsibility that is essential for a healthy community.

The need for collective action. The challenges facing modern society, such as climate change, economic inequality, and political polarization, require collective action. However, the breakdown of community and the emphasis on individual achievement make it difficult to mobilize people for the common good. Rebuilding a sense of shared purpose and mutual dependence is crucial for addressing these challenges and creating a more resilient society.

6. The Power of Shared Suffering: Disaster's Unexpected Gift

An earthquake achieves what the law promises but does not in practice maintain... The equality of all men.

The leveling effect of disaster. Natural disasters and other calamities often have a leveling effect on society, temporarily erasing class differences and income disparities. In the face of a common threat, people come together to help one another, prioritizing the needs of the community over individual concerns. This creates a "community of sufferers" that is immensely reassuring and therapeutic.

The London Blitz example. During the London Blitz, despite the intense bombing and widespread destruction, Londoners displayed remarkable resilience and social unity. Psychiatric hospitals saw admissions go down, and people organized themselves to provide mutual support and maintain order. This demonstrates that adversity can bring out the best in people, fostering a sense of shared purpose and collective identity.

The return of the modern world. The sense of brotherhood and community that emerges in the aftermath of a disaster is often temporary. As soon as relief efforts begin and the modern world returns, class divisions and individual self-interest reassert themselves. This highlights the fragility of social bonds in modern society and the need for sustained efforts to cultivate community and connection.

7. Moral Courage: The Glue of Society

What would you risk dying for—and for whom—is perhaps the most profound question a person can ask themselves.

The essence of humanity. The willingness to risk one's life for others is a defining characteristic of humanity. This risk-taking manifests differently in men and women, with men more likely to perform spontaneous rescues and women more likely to display moral courage. Both forms of courage are essential for the healthy functioning of society.

The Kenyan bus incident. The story of the Muslim passengers on a Kenyan bus who refused to allow Christian passengers to be singled out for execution demonstrates the power of moral courage. Their willingness to die together rather than allow such an injustice highlights the importance of standing up for one's beliefs, even in the face of extreme danger.

The loss of opportunity. Modern society, with its emphasis on safety and security, eliminates many situations that require people to demonstrate moral courage. This is both a blessing and a loss, as it deprives individuals of the opportunity to define themselves through acts of selflessness and sacrifice. Finding ways to foster moral courage and promote a sense of shared responsibility is crucial for maintaining a cohesive and just society.

8. The Warrior's Burden: Reintegration into a Disconnected World

For the first time in [our] lives… we were in a tribal sort of situation where we could help each other without fear.

The soldier's dilemma. Soldiers returning from combat often struggle to reintegrate into civilian life. They miss the clarity of purpose, the intense camaraderie, and the feeling of being essential to a group. However, they also find themselves in a society that is increasingly fragmented and disconnected, making it difficult to find a sense of belonging and meaning.

The Israeli model. Israel, with its national military service and its proximity to conflict, provides a strong sense of community and shared purpose that helps mitigate the effects of combat on soldiers. Soldiers returning from war are reintegrated into a society where their experiences are understood and valued, reducing the sense of alienation and isolation.

The need for societal change. To better support veterans, modern society needs to address the underlying issues of disconnection and alienation. This requires fostering a greater sense of community, promoting shared values, and providing opportunities for veterans to contribute their skills and experiences to the common good. It also requires moving beyond token gestures of support and engaging in meaningful dialogue about the realities of war and its impact on individuals and society.

9. The Skinwalker Within: The Threat of Internal Division

It’s not the spider I’m worried about.

The fear of internal enemies. The Navajo myth of the skinwalker reflects a universal fear: the threat of violence and betrayal from within one's own community. This fear is particularly relevant in modern society, where the breakdown of social bonds and the rise of individualism have created fertile ground for alienation and violence.

The rampage shooting phenomenon. The increasing frequency of rampage shootings in the United States, particularly in affluent and low-crime communities, suggests that something is deeply amiss in American society. These acts of indiscriminate violence are often committed by individuals who have rejected all social bonds and turned their rage inward, against their own people.

The need for unity. To combat the threat of internal division, modern society needs to foster a greater sense of unity and shared purpose. This requires addressing the root causes of alienation, such as economic inequality, social isolation, and political polarization. It also requires promoting empathy, compassion, and a willingness to bridge divides and work together for the common good.

10. The Cure for Disconnection: Sacrifice and Shared Meaning

Suppose, now, not to give them flour, lard... Just dead inside.

The power of sacrifice. Acting in a tribal way means being willing to make a substantive sacrifice for your community. This sacrifice can take many forms, from serving in the military to volunteering time to donating resources. The key is to prioritize the needs of the group over individual self-interest.

The importance of shared meaning. A society that lacks a shared sense of meaning and purpose is vulnerable to division and disintegration. Creating a shared public meaning of war, for example, can help soldiers reintegrate into civilian life and prevent the development of PTSD. This requires engaging in open and honest dialogue about the realities of war and its impact on individuals and society.

The legacy of Martin Bauman. The story of Martin Bauman, the CEO who gave up his salary to save his employees' jobs, exemplifies the power of sacrifice and shared meaning. His actions demonstrate that true leadership requires putting the needs of others first and that belonging to society requires a willingness to contribute to the common good. By embracing these values, modern society can overcome its divisions and create a more cohesive and fulfilling future for all.

Last updated: February 24, 2025