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Tribe

Sebastian Junger

103 Pages
2016

Tribe

Hachette UK

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Tribe - Summary

In 'Tribe,' Sebastian Junger explores the fundamental human need for belonging and connection, arguing that modern society often fails to fulfill this tribal instinct that's deeply rooted in our evolutionary history. Through historical, psychological, and anthropological perspectives, he contrasts the strong community bonds in tribal societies with the isolation prevalent in contemporary life.

Key Ideas

1

The Tribal Imperative

Humans are inherently tribal beings, biologically and psychologically designed to thrive in close-knit communities with shared purpose and mutual support. This tribal instinct has shaped social structures throughout history and influences human behavior, particularly evident in how tribal societies unite during adversity.

2

Modernity and Dislocation

Modern society, despite its benefits, often creates isolation through individualism, hyper-competitiveness, and the breakdown of traditional communities, contributing to increased rates of depression, anxiety, and social dysfunction.

3

Finding Tribe in the Modern World

Understanding our need for belonging is crucial to fostering community and connection in modern life. The book explores examples of successful modern 'tribes' and suggests that rediscovering values of cooperation, empathy, and shared purpose can combat isolation.

FAQ's

While the book certainly resonates with those struggling with loneliness, it's written for a broad audience. It examines the universal human need for connection and offers insights into the social fabric of our world and the challenges of finding meaning and belonging in modern times.

Junger acknowledges that tribal societies are not without their flaws and conflicts. However, he highlights their strengths in fostering a sense of belonging, purpose, and mutual support, aspects often lacking in modern individualistic societies. He uses them as a lens to examine our own social structures and their shortcomings.

While Junger draws upon his experiences with soldiers and veterans, 'Tribe' goes beyond the military experience. He uses their stories to illustrate the profound human need for connection and how modern society can sometimes fail to meet this need, affecting everyone, not just veterans.

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