# Misguided Tribal Arguments By:: [[Brian Heath]] 2024-11-02 If one genuinely understands an issue, one can easily argue all sides. Only knowing one side and arguing endlessly for it is the epitome of narcissism and stupidity. One should know the other sides so well that they could blend into the crowd of believers of that side and even bolster their claims in new ways. Only then does one understand the stakes and beliefs of others. Only then can one cooperate with people who believe in things one does not. If one cares little about solidarity, understanding both sides to this degree at least positions one to take advantage of the situation and foresee what so many miss. However, once one knows what the others believe and can argue for them, one's motives almost immediately change as one sees the other sides as not the opposition but people and fellow humans. The tribal instincts run deep in our species, and we are witnessing their resurgence. At the moment, it isn't pretty. The more disconnected we've become from each other and value systems via globalization, industrialization, and post-modernity, the more we seek to reconnect via our technology. The problem is that technology has short-circuited the tribe-making process intended to provide security, safety, and a sense of purpose to those who like us. This takes time and proximity to build. Technology has made communication instantaneous and free, so we jump right to the endpoint without struggling to build relationships and understand why. We confuse words with feelings and likes with meaning and belonging. Take time to learn all the sides for the betterment of us all, or fight the stupid fight of ignorance and narcissism. #### Related Items [[Tribes]] [[Beliefs]] [[Argumentation]] [[Meaning]] [[Solidarity]] [[Ignorance]] [[Technology]]