The Trust Paradox: How Humans Work with People We Don't Know

Evolution has crafted several answers to the trust problem, including kin selection and friendship. However, humans have uniquely innovated tribes as a solution. Tribes are metagroups that use symbols to signal membership and foster cooperation among strangers. Our tribal identity influences our perception of the world, and beliefs are shaped by our identity rather than truth. Tribes play a significant role in group dynamics, and intentionally cultivating smaller social groups, or camps, can improve overall well-being.