Why do we resort to tribalism in politics, religion, and our views about wealth and prosperity?
"When somebody (a tribe) comes along and says, ‘hey, you can be in the gang, or you can be in the cult, or you can be in the religion,’ it gives people a sense of meaning.”
From religion to politics to our views on prosperity -- so many of our choices are influenced by our programming which may or may not have pushed us into making our “tribal” choices without true critical thinking.
In today’s episode, Curt Mercadante interviews Randy Gage, a thought-provoking critical thinker who will make you approach your business — and your life — in a whole new way. Gage is the author of ten books translated into 25 languages, including the New York Times bestsellers, "Risky Is the New Safe" and "Mad Genius." He has spoken to more than 2 million people across more than 50 countries, and is a member of the Speakers Hall of Fame.
Gage tells Mercadante that people join tribes to gain a sense of meaning in their lives.
“I think that’s why they (people) join religions, I think that’s why they join gangs, I think that’s why they join political parties and movements,” he said. “Because you feel like this little microscopic dot in the Universe, thinking, ‘what’s the meaning of life beyond taking the kids to soccer practice, paying the bills, and binge watching something on Netflix…what’s my life all about?'”
“And now, when somebody (a tribe) comes along and says, ‘hey, you can be in the gang, or you can be in the cult, or you can be in the religion,’ it gives people a sense of meaning.”
As Randy and I discussed, tribes can certainly be forces of good in the world, as well as forces of the not-so-good.
Are you a member of your tribe due to critical thinking, or due to the blind emotion created by the promise of that ‘meaning’?