Empathy

Empathy is indeed the “glue” which bonds tribal societies, not only among humans, but all primates. Although “empathy” is not the right word — the bond is actually stronger than that. Empathy is the ability of an individual to see oneself in another individual. In tribal communities, there are no individuals, in the sense that members do not *see themselves* as individuals. They see themselves as instances, as embodiments, of the tribe. All other members are also embodiments, “just like them.” There is no individual identity; there is only a tribal identity, in which each member partakes. Each sees himself in all the others, just as parents see themselves in their offspring.

But that common identity does not, and cannot, extend to non-members of the tribe. Tribal societies are insular. The most common rule is, one is either a member (“the People”) or an enemy. Non-members are enemies because they do *not* embody the tribal ethos, the tribal identity. They are alien, other.

Civilization is the antithesis of tribal society. Tribal resonance cannot be established over large numbers of people, because they cannot all constantly, intimately interact. Kinship or tribal groups may form within it, but they are not stable, because they are constantly buffeted and disrupted by the surrounding society.