#874 - Michael Morris - Why Are We More Divided Than Ever?
Modern Wisdom
Deep Dive
Why does tribalism exist and how did it evolve in humans?
Tribalism evolved as an adaptation to enable humans to live in large, collaborative groups. It allowed for a level of collaboration and common fate that is not present in other social species. This adaptation led to the development of complex cultures and better survival strategies, ultimately leaving other species behind.
Why do humans often hate people outside their group and become hostile quickly?
Hostility towards outsiders often arises from a conformist instinct that creates different political worlds through residential and media sorting. When people live in ideologically inbred environments, they become conformists, leading to different views of reality and increased antipathy towards those who hold opposing views.
Is tribalism inherently bad for society?
No, tribalism is not inherently bad. It has enabled humans to build complex cultures and survive in large groups. The issue arises when tribal instincts lead to dysfunctional behaviors, but understanding these instincts can help manage them effectively.
Why do people identify more as 'not the opposition' rather than 'for their own group'?
People often identify more as 'not the opposition' due to the conformist instinct that drives them to mesh with their in-group. This instinct creates different political worlds, making opposing views seem extreme and leading to negative attributions about the opposition.
How has the modern world worsened tribal instincts?
The modern world has worsened tribal instincts through residential sorting, media fracturing, and social media echo chambers. These factors create ideologically inbred environments where conformist instincts lead to increased polarization and hostility towards opposing groups.
What are the three major tribal instincts according to Michael Morris?
The three major tribal instincts are the peer instinct (conformity), the hero instinct (status seeking and pro-social behavior), and the ancestor instinct (tradition and nostalgia). These instincts evolved to enable humans to live in large, collaborative groups and maintain cultural continuity.
How do ceremonies influence the ancestor instinct?
Ceremonies trigger the ancestor instinct by involving symbols and synchronous movement, which lull people into a state of unity and reduce individual self-consciousness. This makes people more open to accepting traditions and feeling connected to past generations.
What role does threat play in triggering tribal instincts?
Threat, especially existential threat, tends to make people cling to their traditions and in-group identities. While this can be adaptive in some contexts, it can also lead to dysfunctional traditionalism and increased hostility towards out-groups.
How can understanding tribal instincts help manage political polarization?
Understanding that political polarization is driven by conformist instincts and residential/media sorting allows for more effective interventions. Programs that bring together people from different political backgrounds to discuss common passions, rather than divisive issues, can help reduce polarization.
Why is it important to have a realistic diagnosis of tribalism rather than a Manichaean one?
A realistic diagnosis of tribalism allows for more effective solutions and policies. It helps avoid the despair of thinking that we are doomed by an innate drive to hate, and instead focuses on understanding the specific reasons for increased polarization and how to address them.
- Tribalism facilitated human evolution from the Stone Age.
- Culture is essential for tribalism.
- Tribal instincts are primarily adaptive, but can lead to negative outcomes.
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