The Importance of Loyalty in Marginal Groups

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The individual doesn't stand a chance against a group. The Vicerords were formed to protect themselves against other established gangs that threatened people in this area. Our safety, I mean, our certainly our wealth, our comfort, and ultimately our safety, our ability to survive in the world comes from our affiliation with a group.

Journalist and author Sebastian Junger talks about his book, Freedom, with EconTalk host Russ Roberts. The book and conversation are based on a 400-mile walk Junger took with buddies along railroad rights-of-way, evading police, railroad security, and other wanderers. Junger discusses the ever-present tension between the human desire to be free and the desire to be interconnected and part of something. Along the way, Junger talks about the joy of walking, the limits of human endurance, war, and why the more powerful, better-equipped military isn't always the winner.