Michael Morris, a cultural psychologist and professor at Columbia University, delves into the intriguing concept of tribalism. He discusses its evolutionary roots, detailing the three hardwired instincts—peer, hero, and ancestor—that shape our social dynamics. The conversation explores how human mimicry influences office culture and highlights the balance between individualism and collectivism in diverse communities. Morris also reveals how tribalism can both unite people for noble causes and create societal divisions, emphasizing its relevance in today's world.
01:01:17
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
menu_book Books
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
insights INSIGHT
Tribalism's True Nature
Tribalism, rooted in solidarity, not hostility, enabled humanity's progress.
Shared knowledge and cultural legacies are our "killer app", not individual intelligence.
insights INSIGHT
Social Brain Hypothesis
The social brain hypothesis posits human brains evolved for social mastery, not just physical survival.
This explains our drive to connect, strategize, and even engage in "mind games" for success.
insights INSIGHT
Impact of Antisocial Behavior
Antisocial behavior negatively impacts physical and mental well-being.
Humans need both hedonistic (joy) and eudemonic (meaningful) happiness, often derived from social connections.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
How the Cultural Instincts That Divide Us Can Help Bring Us Together
Michael Morris
In 'Tribal,' Michael Morris argues that our psychology is wired by evolution in three distinctive ways: the peer instinct to conform, the hero instinct to give to the group, and the ancestor instinct to follow prior generations. These tribal instincts enable us to share knowledge, work as a team, and transmit cultural knowledge. Morris uses deep research, current and historical events, and stories from business and politics to show how these instincts can elevate performance, heal rifts, and drive cultural change. The book challenges conventional wisdom and offers a hopeful vision for collective change.
In today's episode, we talk about the value of tribalism with Michael Morris, the Chavkin-Chang Professor of Leadership at Columbia Business School and a Professor of Psychology at Columbia University. A renowned expert in leadership, negotiation, and cultural psychology, he has published over 200 articles in leading journals and recently released his book Tribal, exploring how leaders can harness shared cultural identities to unite and mobilize teams.
Join us for a thought-provoking conversation about the profound role of tribalism in shaping civilization and fostering healthy societies. Why is tribalism more than just a relic of the past? How does the social brain hypothesis explain our innate drive to connect and form groups? Michael Morris sheds light on how human mimicry sets us apart from other species, why tribalism has become such a heated topic, and how it can create vastly different perceptions of reality among people we interact with daily. Discover how politicians leverage tribalism to gain influence, when it becomes toxic to society, and the best ways to navigate relationships in a world divided by differing values.
What to Listen For
Introduction – 00:00:00
Why is tribalism a blessing to civilization and a healthy society?
What is the social brain hypothesis and how does it impact you tribally?
The Hardwiring of Tribalism in Your Brain – 00:12:44
What are the 3 instincts that are hardwired into your brain?
How does tribalism protect you, your family, your culture, and nation?
How does mimicry set humans apart from other animals that also exhibit mimicry?
The Big Deal of Tribalism – 00:23:46
Why and when did tribalism become a controversial topic?
Why do certain tribes have such different values?
How Tribalism Shapes Your Worldview – 00:30:17
How can tribalism create a completely different perception of reality from people you interact with everyday?
What factors influence the development or destruction of a tribe?
Tribalism, Politics, and Grass Roots Movements – 00:41:34
How do politicians leverage tribalism to gain popularity and influence?
At what point does tribalism become toxic to a society and what’s the best way to handle it when you know people in other tribes?
The Art of Charm 
