The fact that so many people choose to live in ways that narrow the community of fate to a very limited set of others and to define the rest as threatening to their way of life and values is deeply worrying because this contemporary form of tribalism, and the ideologies that support it, enable them to deny complex and more crosscutting mutual interdependencies-local, national, and international-and to elude their own role in creating long-term threats to their own wellbeing and that of others.
Interpretation
This quote highlights the dangers of modern tribalism, where people isolate themselves within narrow communities and view others as threats.
Margaret Levi's quote addresses the contemporary issue of tribalism, where individuals and groups tend to insulate themselves within a limited circle of like-minded individuals, thereby viewing those outside this circle as adversaries. This mindset not only fosters division but also obscures the interconnectedness that exists between different groups, leading to a disregard for the complexities of social, national, and global interdependencies. The consequences of such narrow thinking can be detrimental, as it hinders cooperative efforts necessary for addressing shared challenges, ultimately threatening the well-being of everyone involved.
In practice
This quote can be used in a discussion about social cohesion and inclusivity during a community meeting.
The essence of the liberal outlook lies not in what opinions are held, but in how they are held; instead of being held dogmatically, they are held tentatively, and with a consciousness that new evidence may at any moment lead to their abandonment.
And if my present deeds are foolish in thy sight, it may be that a foolish judge arraigns my folly.
So it is clear that the search for what is just is a search for the mean; for the law is the mean.
If words were invented to conceal thought, newspapers are a great improvement of a bad invention
If I don't measure up as an American writer, at least leave me to my delusion.
Our God, who art our winged self, it is thy will in us that willeth. _x000D_ It is thy desire in us that desireth. _x000D_ It is thy urge in us that would turn our nights, which are thine, into days which are thine also. _x000D_ We cannot ask thee for aught, for thou knowest our needs before they are born in us: _x000D_ Thou art our need; and in giving us more of thyself thou givest us all.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.