Understanding the Challenges of Helping Others in Tribalistic Societies

Can it be beneficial to help others in societies that are heavily tribally oriented, reminiscent of agricultural cultures? This article delves into the complexities of supporting individuals in such contexts and explores the underlying mechanisms that make these societies ritualistic and rule-based.

The Context of Tribally Oriented Societies

In a society where the majority comprises primarily agricultural peasants, the behavior can be remarkably tribalistic, reflecting a lack of cognitive complexity and an egalitarian personality. These individuals rely heavily on their immediate environment to structure their behavior and decision-making processes. The deficiency in energy, often linked to good mitochondrial fitness, affects the rapid-firing cortical neurons, leading to thought disorganization and neurotic behavior.

The Impact of Energy Levels on Behavior

The energetic state of a society, crucial for supporting cognitive functions, places these agricultural peasants in a context where conceptual thinking is more challenging. They tend to exhibit behavior centered around immediate gratification and harm avoidance, often leading to high ritualistic and rule-based social interactions. In stark contrast, more egalitarian hunter-gatherer communities are more fluid and adaptable, embracing diversity and innovation.

The Consequences of Helping Efforts

When well-intentioned individuals seek to help these peasants, they often encounter significant resistance. Misunderstandings and accusations like "selfish,” "uncaring,” or "insensitive" arise from efforts to break them free of their entrenched behaviors. Those with a more evolved brain structure may be seen as a threat due to their ability to think critically and question traditional norms.

The Role of External Influences

The peasants in these societies need external cues, much like dogs, to guide their behavior. Their leaders and shepherds provide these cues, which shape their responses and social dynamics. When these cues are altered or removed, the individuals may revert to chaotic behaviors or feel insecure. This dependency on leaders can create a parasitic social hierarchy where exploitation and manipulation are common.

Common Obstacles in Helping Initiatives

Efforts to help often face significant opposition from within these societies. The two primary factions, the sheep and the shepherds, each have their own motivations for resisting change. The sheep, characterized by high serotonin and low adrenal function, become compliant and avoidant when their certainties are threatened. The shepherds, with high serotonin and high adrenal function, seek to instigate unrest to maintain their influence. Both groups may view external assistance as a threat to their established power dynamics.

Long-term Consequences and Learning

The fundamental question remains: Are these societies doomed to persist in their current state, or can they evolve over time? The article concludes that natural selection plays a critical role, with some individuals finding ways to navigate these complexities. However, those who adapt are often those with a strong sense of self and the ability to learn independently. Helping initiatives must respect the individual's evolutionary journey and not impose external expectations.

Understanding these dynamics is crucial for anyone seeking to help others in the face of tribalistic structures and behaviors. By recognizing the limitations and challenges inherent in such environments, one can approach these interactions with greater insight and empathy.