Instant Genius How belonging to tribes shapes our culture
Dec 13, 2024
Michael Morris, a cultural psychologist and author of "Tribal," dives into the fascinating world of tribalism and its impact on culture. He discusses how our social instincts govern our identities and the roles of peer and hero instincts in shaping our interactions. Morris unpacks the psychological reasons behind hero worship and explores how traditions can offer resilience against anxiety. He also addresses the challenges of ideological sorting and the fluidity of cultural identity, revealing how small collective actions can drive significant cultural change.
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Tribalism's True Nature
- Tribalism, often viewed negatively, stems from our instincts to connect with groups.
- These instincts are fundamentally functional, driving positive human achievements.
The Peer Instinct
- The peer instinct drives us to conform, limiting individual creativity but fostering collective innovation.
- This instinct allows us to mesh minds and actions, crucial for human advancement.
Political Polarization
- Political polarization in the US demonstrates the peer instinct's downsides.
- Homogenous communities, amplified by fragmented media, create distinct, isolated beliefs.
