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Published Aug 11, 2022

710: Sebastian Junger | How War and Crisis Create a Tribe

Sebastian Junger delves into the profound bond between war, crisis, and community, highlighting how these intense experiences foster a tribal sense of belonging often absent in affluent societies, while examining the psychological struggles veterans face when returning to a more isolated civilian life.
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  • Going Native

    The concept of "going native" highlights a recurring historical phenomenon where individuals from Western civilizations adopt indigenous ways of life. and discuss how early American settlers often chose to integrate into Native American tribes, a choice rarely seen in reverse 1. This preference suggests a deep-seated appeal of communal living and tribal society, which contrasts with the isolating aspects of modern civilization. Junger notes that communalism often arises spontaneously during hardship, raising the question of whether it can be achieved voluntarily in times of abundance 1.

    We have this nice phrase to go native, right? And we all kind of know what that means and why it's appealing. And we don't say to go civilized. Like no one goes civilized, right? It's the thing we're all trying to escape.

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    The discussion extends to the challenges soldiers face when reintegrating into a society that often misunderstands their experiences, highlighting the need for a more inclusive community mindset 2.

       

    Cultural Impact

    Western civilization's impact on mental health is profound, as explains through his experiences in war zones. He uses an anthropological lens to understand human behavior, noting that the communal trust found among soldiers contrasts sharply with the nihilism he witnessed in African civil wars 3. This trust and camaraderie are often missing in modern societies, contributing to feelings of isolation and depression. Junger cites a study from Northern Ireland's Troubles, where depression rates decreased in violent areas but increased in peaceful ones, suggesting a complex relationship between crisis and mental health 4.

    They knew it was going on, but they couldn't do anything about it. And they weren't part of the fight, but they knew the fight was going on. That didn't make women more depressed, but it made men more depressed.

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    This phenomenon reflects the struggles veterans face upon returning home, as they grapple with a sense of helplessness and a desire to contribute to their communities 4.

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