“Tribe” started as an article for Vanity Fair and was later expanded on and turned into this book. It revolves around how at odds the structure of modern society is with our tribal instincts and how people directly, or indirectly, affected by war have problems readjusting to normal life.
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What really stuck with me with this book was how people in war torn nation look back on war with nostalgia. Many even preferring war times to what they are now experiencing.
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📝 Genetic adaptation takes about 25000 years to accumulate in humans.
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📝 Modern society perfected the art of making people feel unnecessary. “How do you become an adult in a society that doesnt ask for sacrifice?”
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📝 People need 3 basic things in order to be content:
– Feel competent in what they do.
– Feel authentic in their lives.
– Feel connected to others.
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📝 Modern societies lack opportunity for the average man to show his commitment to his community.
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📝 During war: suicides and depression rates goes down. Productivity goes up in bombarded cities.
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💭 Thoughts:
Apart from a feeling belonging and being an asset to society, I think there is one other aspect of war that is not talked about much in this book but that could be a factor in people missing war; people want to be told what to do! The endless possibilities of modern life is taxing on people. War limits opportunities.
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I myself don’t miss conflict, community or brotherhood. I feel like I belong and feel that I contribute. The book reminded me that I haven’t always felt this way and that a lot of people feel alienated in advanced societies. It’s weird how easy it is to forget how things ones where as your outlook on life evolves.
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A bit of a depressing read – but good! -Now I need something completely different!
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4/5
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Photocredit: @ashiorigami (instagram)
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