Our Tribal Future - part two

In this episode of Bitcoin Study Sessions, Lucas and Grant delve into part two of David Samson's "Our Tribal Future," discussing the practice of tribalism, the nature of friendship, and community building.

Key Topics:

• Friendship and its importance
• Building and maintaining communities
• The role of Bitcoin in trust and decentralization
• Overcoming negative aspects of tribalism
• The MetaTribe concept

Summary:

In part two of "Our Tribal Future," David Samson explores the practical applications of tribalism. He argues that we can harness our tribal instincts to build stronger communities and better friendships. The discussion emphasizes the importance of intentional community building, or "camp crafting," to counteract the social isolation prevalent in modern society. This intentional proximity leads to better psychological well-being, family environments, and access to resources. Intentional Proximity is a method to avoid cocooning where married couples socially isolate.

Samson outlines the key components of successful group formation, including love, social networks, cooperation, in-group bias, hierarchy, and individual identity. He introduces the concept of the "honor group," a small circle of close friends bound by honor, which he suggests forming before seeking a romantic partnership. Activities that simulate adversity, such as hot yoga or martial arts, can strengthen group bonds, as well as more general social activities, like D&D. Rituals also play a crucial role, from weekly gatherings to annual trips, reinforcing shared experiences and values. Co-location, or living near group members, further enhances these connections.

The conversation shifts to the potential downsides of tribalism, such as in-group bias and authoritarianism. Samson proposes a moral framework based on concentric circles, where individuals prioritize their inner circle while avoiding harm to those outside it. This framework acknowledges the energy-intensive nature of maintaining extensive social connections.

Bitcoin is introduced as a technology that can scale trust beyond traditional tribal boundaries. The Bitcoin protocol allows strangers to interact securely without needing personal trust or judgment. Samson also discusses four pillars of decentralization stemming from Bitcoin, including communication, law, production, and finance. This decentralization paves the way for network states, intentional communities organized around shared values. He mentions that the US Founding was to promote values of democracy, free markets, and freedom of association and it is now in need of re-founding.

Finally, the episode delves into the concept of the MetaTribe, a universal tribe with the core principle of revising beliefs based on evidence. This MetaTribe aims to mitigate the negative effects of ideology, such as willful unreason and cognitive biases. Participants discuss the viability and implications of embracing this MetaTribe identity, questioning whether such a commitment to evidence-based thinking could undermine the importance of faith, hope, and love. Ultimately, the episode prompts listeners to consider the role of tribalism in their lives and how it can be harnessed for positive change.