Introduction
In our modern, individualistic Western societies, we often forget the fundamental human need for community and belonging. Sebastian Junger's book "Tribe" explores this crucial aspect of human nature, drawing on historical examples, sociological studies, and personal experiences to argue that our tribal instincts are still very much alive and essential for our well-being.
Junger takes us on a journey from early colonial America to modern-day war zones, examining how humans behave in times of crisis and what we can learn from tribal societies. His insights challenge our assumptions about progress and happiness, suggesting that our advanced societies may be missing something vital that tribal cultures inherently possess.
The Allure of Tribal Life
Early Settlers and Native American Tribes
One of the most intriguing phenomena Junger discusses is the attraction many early European settlers felt towards Native American tribal life. Contrary to what one might expect, a significant number of colonists chose to live among Native American tribes, often preferring this lifestyle to their own European-derived culture.
Benjamin Franklin, one of America's Founding Fathers, noted this trend with puzzlement. He observed that Native American children raised by Europeans rarely showed much attachment to Western culture and often returned to their tribes. Even more striking was the fact that Europeans captured by Native Americans frequently resisted "rescue" attempts, preferring to remain with their adoptive tribes.
This preference for tribal life was so strong that in 1763, when Swiss general Henri Bouquet led an English expedition to recover European prisoners from Native American tribes, many of the "captives" were reluctant to leave. The Native Americans, heartbroken at losing their adopted members, followed on horseback as the prisoners were led away. Many of these former captives eventually found their way back to tribal life.
The Appeal of Egalitarianism
What made tribal life so attractive to these settlers? Junger argues that it was primarily the egalitarian nature of tribal societies. Unlike the hierarchical and often oppressive structures of colonial society, tribal life offered a more equal and free existence.
Mary Jemison, a woman captured by the Seneca tribe around 1755, provides a vivid example. In her tribal life, she found freedom from the constant orders and dull chores that characterized her previous existence. Tribal work, while still necessary, was more relaxed and enjoyable. Hunting was preferred to toiling in fields, and there were fewer sexual hang-ups and rigid social norms.
Perhaps most importantly, tribal societies had much less wealth inequality. Most tribes owned only what they could easily carry, and social status was based more on skill and contribution to the community than on material possessions. Women in these societies often enjoyed more autonomy and were not expected to bear as many children as their colonial counterparts.
The Natural State of Humanity
Hunter-Gatherer Roots
Junger argues that tribal societies are more in tune with human nature than our modern Western societies. He points to studies of contemporary hunter-gatherer groups, such as the !Kung nomads of the Kalahari Desert, to illustrate this point.
A study in the 1960s found that !Kung tribe members worked only about 12 hours a week to support their lifestyle. They took turns hunting and gathering food, sharing the spoils equally among the group. While they didn't have much in terms of material possessions, everyone had enough to meet their needs.
This lifestyle stands in stark contrast to the average Western office worker, who might work more than 40 hours a week. While materially richer, these modern workers have far less leisure time and personal freedom.
The Mismatch Between Our Nature and Modern Life
Junger highlights an important biological fact: it takes at least 25,000 years for a species to genetically adapt to a new environment. Given that agriculture only emerged about 10,000 years ago, and industrialization is even more recent, our genes are still those of hunter-gatherers living in small, tight-knit communities.
This mismatch between our tribal nature and our individualistic modern societies leads to what Junger calls "pathological loneliness." Despite our material wealth and technological advancements, Western societies suffer from unprecedented levels of mental illness, which Junger attributes largely to this disconnect from our tribal roots.
The Surprising Effects of War and Disaster
Psychological Resilience in Times of Crisis
One of the most counterintuitive findings Junger presents is the positive psychological effects that war and disasters can have on communities. He cites several historical examples to illustrate this point.
During World War II, the British government feared that German bombing raids on London would lead to mass hysteria among civilians. Instead, the opposite occurred. Londoners remained calm and upbeat during the Blitz, continuing their daily lives with remarkable resilience. Looting was rare, and people banded together in the face of adversity.
Even more surprisingly, psychiatric hospital admissions decreased during this period, contrary to all predictions. This phenomenon wasn't unique to Britain; similar effects were observed in other war-torn areas and during civil conflicts.
The Unifying Power of Shared Adversity
Junger explains that these positive effects stem from the way crises simplify life and bring people together. In times of war or disaster, social divisions based on wealth, race, or status often fade away as people focus on survival and mutual support.
This idea is supported by studies of natural disasters. Sociologist Charles Fritz interviewed over 9,000 disaster survivors in the United States and found that, rather than leading to chaos, disasters often resulted in increased social cohesion and mutual aid.
A powerful example of this effect occurred during a devastating earthquake in Peru in 1970. In the city of Yungay, where rescue efforts were delayed, survivors banded together, sharing resources and forgetting about social divisions. However, as soon as outside help arrived, the old social order quickly reasserted itself.
The Impact of War on Individuals
Personal Experience in Afghanistan
Junger shares his own experiences as a war correspondent in Afghanistan, providing a firsthand account of how war affects individuals. In 2000, he spent two months with Ahmad Shah Massoud, leader of the Northern Alliance fighting against the Taliban.
During this time, Junger witnessed intense combat situations, including a desperate battle where Massoud's forces, badly outnumbered and low on ammunition, fought to secure a strategically important area. The experience left a lasting impact on Junger, who was later diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Understanding PTSD
Junger's personal experience helps illuminate the complex nature of PTSD. He explains that many of the disorder's symptoms, such as hypervigilance, quick reactions to small noises, and light sleep, are actually adaptive in a war zone. Even symptoms like anger and depression serve purposes in combat situations.
However, these same traits become maladaptive in peaceful, civilian life. This mismatch between wartime instincts and peacetime expectations contributes to the difficulties many veterans face when returning home.
The Challenge of Returning Home
The Power of Wartime Bonds
One of the key reasons soldiers struggle to readjust to civilian life is the intense bonds formed during wartime. Junger explains that the camaraderie experienced in combat units creates a sense of tribal belonging that's hard to replicate in everyday life.
Win Stracke, an American artillery soldier, described how working together as equals on a gun crew was a novel and powerful experience for many soldiers. The constant danger and need for mutual trust create a level of intimacy rarely found in other contexts.
This phenomenon isn't unique to war. Junger draws parallels with other crisis situations, such as the AIDS epidemic of the 1980s, where survivors often look back nostalgically on the strong sense of community forged during those difficult times.
The Isolation of Modern Society
The stark contrast between the tight-knit community of military life and the relative isolation of modern civilian society makes the transition particularly challenging for many veterans. Junger argues that the lack of strong social bonds in everyday life not only makes readjustment difficult but also increases the risk of PTSD.
Studies have shown that a lack of social support can double the risk of developing PTSD. This suggests that it's not just the trauma of war itself that causes long-term psychological issues, but also the difficulty of reintegrating into a society that lacks the tribal connections humans naturally crave.
Learning from Native American Traditions
Healing Rituals and Community Involvement
Junger points out that Native American cultures, with their long history of warfare, have developed effective ways of reintegrating warriors into peacetime society. He describes a 16-day purification ritual that warriors would undergo before returning to their normal roles.
Crucially, these rituals involved the entire community, not just the returning warriors. Native American tribes understood that while it was the men who had fought, the entire community had been at war, and therefore the whole tribe needed to participate in the healing process.
Adapting Tribal Wisdom for Modern Society
Junger suggests that modern Western societies could learn from these Native American practices. While we can't simply adopt their rituals wholesale, we can create events and forums that aim to heal entire communities and provide opportunities for veterans to share their experiences.
One suggestion Junger offers is to use public spaces like town halls on Veterans Day to allow soldiers to speak about their service to their communities. He emphasizes that the act of speaking and being heard is a crucial first step in the healing process.
The Need for Tribal Connections in Modern Life
Rediscovering Community in Peacetime
Throughout the book, Junger makes a compelling case for the importance of tribal connections in human life. He argues that the positive psychological effects often seen during wars and disasters stem from the way these events force people to come together and rely on each other, much like our ancestors did in tribal societies.
However, these effects tend to disappear once the crisis is over and people return to their normal, individualistic lives. This leads to a paradoxical situation where many people find themselves longing for the sense of purpose and community they experienced during difficult times.
Creating Tribal Bonds in Modern Society
Junger's work challenges us to find ways of fostering a sense of tribal belonging in our everyday lives, even in times of peace and prosperity. He suggests that this is crucial not only for the well-being of veterans but for society as a whole.
While he doesn't provide a comprehensive blueprint for achieving this, Junger's insights point towards the importance of creating shared experiences, fostering interdependence, and breaking down artificial social barriers. This might involve community service projects, local support networks, or simply making an effort to connect more deeply with our neighbors and fellow citizens.
Conclusion
"Tribe" offers a thought-provoking exploration of human nature and our need for community. By examining how people behave in extreme situations and comparing modern Western societies with tribal cultures, Junger challenges our assumptions about progress and happiness.
The book's key message is that despite our material wealth and technological advancements, we may be missing something fundamental that tribal societies inherently possess – a sense of belonging and purpose that comes from being part of a close-knit community.
Junger's work invites us to reconsider our societal structures and personal priorities. It suggests that by reconnecting with our tribal instincts and fostering stronger community bonds, we might not only improve the lives of veterans and others struggling with the isolation of modern life but also create a more resilient and fulfilling society for everyone.
As we face the challenges of the 21st century, from mental health crises to political polarization, the lessons from "Tribe" offer a valuable perspective. They remind us that at our core, we are social creatures who thrive on connection and shared purpose. By recognizing and nurturing this aspect of our nature, we may find solutions to many of the problems that plague our modern world.
In the end, Junger's book is a call to action – an invitation to rediscover the tribal connections that have sustained humanity for millennia and to find ways of incorporating them into our modern lives. It's a challenging task, but one that could lead to more resilient individuals, stronger communities, and a more harmonious society.