Tribal

by Michael Morris

Tribalism is our most misunderstood buzzword. We've all heard pundits bemoan its rise, and it's been blamed for everything from political polarization to workplace discrimination. But as acclaimed cultural psychologist and Columbia professor Michael Morris argues, our tribal instincts are humanity's secret weapon.

Ours is the only species that lives in groups glued together by their distinctive cultures that can grow to a scale far beyond clans and bands. Morris argues that our psychology is wired by evolution in three distinctive ways. First, the peer instinct to conform to what most people do. Second, the hero instinct to give to the group and emulate the most respected. And third, the ancestor instinct to follow the ways of prior generations. These tribal instincts enable us to share knowledge and goals and work as a team to transmit the accumulated pool of cultural knowledge onward to the next generation.

Countries, churches, political parties, and companies are tribes, and tribal instincts explain our loyalties to them and the hidden ways that they affect our thoughts, actions, and identities. Rather than deriding tribal impulses for their irrationality, we can recognize them as powerful levers that elevate performance, heal rifts, and set off shockwaves of cultural change.

Weaving together deep research, current and historical events, and stories from business and politics, Morris cuts across conventional wisdom to completely reframe how we think about our tribes. Bracing and hopeful, Tribal unlocks the deepest secrets of our psychology and gives us the tools to manage our misunderstood superpower.

Genres: Nonfiction, Psychology, Sociology, Audiobook, Business, Science, Society

Audible Audio

First published September 8, 2020

Reviews

[Richard Marney · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a fresh approach to a well-seasoned question, the author has delivered a well-written and easily-navigated book that warrants space in your home library. Culture encompasses the collective mindset and daily practices of a society or its parts from which institutions ( in the Douglass North sense ) emerge. The author’s contribution is to shed light on the formation and evolution of cultural characteristics and hence to understand better institutional change.

[Sarah Cupitt · Rating 3 out of 5]

meh read, some good nuggets - Why do we instinctively trust those within our group while remaining skeptical of outsiders? How do traditions strengthen our sense of belonging? And most importantly, how can we use this knowledge to create stronger, more inclusive communities?

notes:
- Humans haven’t survived by being the strongest or fastest – they’ve thrived because of their ability to cooperate. (For instance, persistence hunting, where a group chased prey to the point of exhaustion, required planning, endurance, and teamwork. Beyond hunting, cooperation extended to foraging, which required sharing knowledge of food sources and collaborative effort.)
- As humans started forming tighter social bonds, rituals and symbols emerged as tools to strengthen their connections. (By participating in these practices, individuals solidified their belonging and their shared purpose.)
- The power of storytelling on societal behavior should also never be taken for granted. Narratives can be even more persuasive than facts because they resonate emotionally.
- wo main paths addressed in the previous section: grassroots movements and top-down approaches
- top-down approaches rely on leaders or institutions to enforce change.
- For grassroots efforts, success often depends on starting small and relatable.
- Traditions are another important part of this process. They’re how organizations build collective memory.
- When tribalism gets toxic, it’s more than just disagreeing. People start living in completely separate realities. For example, someone might firmly believe climate change is a hoax, while someone else sees it as an urgent crisis.

[James Quay · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Tribal" by Michael Morris offers a compelling exploration of our inherent need for belonging, cleverly revealing how our desire to see ourselves as free thinkers often masks our tribal instincts. As a former student turned researcher, I appreciated how Morris lays bare the irony: we pride ourselves on individuality while subconsciously conforming to group dynamics. The narrative challenges the notion of autonomy, suggesting that even our most personal beliefs are shaped by the tribes we inhabit. It’s a thoughtful and rigorously researched reminder that, despite our aspirations for independence, we are inextricably linked to the very communities we often seek to transcend. A thought-provoking read!

[Donna · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was entertaing when it wasn't annoying. I liked the premise but I eventually had to accept that this needs to be taken with a grain of salt.

Early on he mentioned something and then put his spin on it to fit his narrative and I thought, "I don't think that's true." Then later he does it again and this time I knew his spin wasn't true. So I began to wonder if I could trust anything he said.

Definitely entertaining, so I added a star for that.

[Elizabeth Mohr · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don’t think I learnt anything from reading this apart from the derivation of the expression ‘drinking the Kool aid’ which comes from a real life spiritual guru who killed his young disciples by giving them arsenic dissolved in a Kool Aid type drink! Nearly all the examples in the book are about sports or America - not a very interesting read at all

[An · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book dives into how tribal instincts shape society, touching on various instincts like the hero, peer, and ancestor instincts. The chapters that stood out to me most were those on how tribalism can be nudged in policymaking and cultural transformation, especially when cultural codes are hindering progress. The author focuses on two main approaches: grassroots-level initiatives and shock therapy.

One of the more fascinating examples of shock therapy was Singapore’s aggressive approach to fight corruption, which was deeply embedded in many Southeast Asian cultures. They used a Western-style environmental makeover, adding visual and hierarchical cues to shift societal attitudes and effectively villainize bribery. I was familiar with Japan's model, which worked similarly but in a different way from Singapore’s Westernization strategy.

The grassroots-level tribalism approach, which the author touches on, resonated with me, as I often apply it in personal contexts. I agree with the author that it’s a powerful tool for addressing harmful cultural practices, especially in marginalized communities. The author also discusses top-down approaches, but I found them similar to shock therapy, which I think is also what Argentina’s President, Javier Milei, is doing with his controversial shock therapy-style reforms to combat hyperinflation, like dollarizing the peso.

The book also covers toxic tribalism—like partisan bubbles and epistemological tribalism—where people reject objective truth in favor of their own narrative. I liked the idea of using a "tribalism lexicon" to persuade the other side, which reminded me of George Marshall’s Don’t Even Think About It on climate change denial. The author also delves into sectarian tribalism, using the Yugoslav Wars as a key example.

While the book was interesting, I’m not sure it deserves FT’s best book of 2024. It felt a bit like pop psychology, with a Malcolm Gladwell-esque "pop" factor, but without the depth. Since I listened to the audiobook, I couldn’t check the references, which was frustrating.
Also, the book had no conclusion, which I found disappointing.

[Mira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great overview of tribal psychology, with a clear focus on applications to the present day. I really liked how he laid out how different psychological instincts evolved over time and impact current conflicts. Importantly, he also described ways these could be harnessed for change, which felt very hopeful and relevant. As any pop psych book, it could be a little general at times, lacking nuance and framing these tools as perhaps more powerful than they really are, but I think he presented his ideas well for a general audience. Will definitely be re-reading and annotating for future use.

[Bob Bontempo · Rating 5 out of 5]

In his new book, Tribal, Michael Morris digs deep, drawing from leadership lessons of global corporations, social science research, political history, and even the sports pages to illustrate a conceptual framework showing both why we’ve become so tribal as a society, and what to do about it.
Along the way, he weaves in fascinating stories of cults, the evolution of Thanksgiving, and the haka dance of the Maori. Rare for this genre, Tribal finds just the right balance between academic rigor and engaging story telling. Equally rare, Morris doesn't hide his own politics, and yet takes a balanced and measured approach to the wide ranging examples used to illustrate this framework. He consistently finds examples on both the left and the right to illuminate his framework and more importantly to suggest solutions. I kept wanting to put it down, but each page is filled with nuggets I can’t wait to drop into conversations. This book will make you more interesting.

[lesneczytanko · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Jung · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book "Tribal: How the Cultural Instincts That Divide Us Can Help Bring Us Together" by Michael Morris explores how cultural instincts shape both division and unity in human societies. It delves into why people form tight-knit groups, rally around shared beliefs, and defend traditions, driven by a deep desire for connection, admiration, and a sense of belonging. Whether in sports, business, or cultural identities, these instincts influence behaviors and decisions, often in unexpected ways.

An example of cultural instincts in action is South Korea’s preparation for the 2002 World Cup. The national soccer team’s traditional hierarchical culture limited young players' opportunities and made the team's strategies predictable. However, when Dutch coach Guus Hiddink introduced new training methods and selection processes, the team adapted to a fresh, more flexible approach. This transformation demonstrated that even entrenched cultural patterns could change when circumstances demand it, resulting in a newfound unity and improved performance.

The book also examines how group identity is reinforced through shared stories, rituals, and instincts. These elements influence many aspects of life, from politics to business. Humans naturally trust those within their group while remaining cautious of outsiders. Traditions strengthen a sense of belonging, and understanding these dynamics can help build stronger, more inclusive communities.

One of the key insights is that tribal instincts are not just survival mechanisms but the foundation of human success. Early humans thrived not by being the strongest but by cooperating. Activities like persistence hunting and communal foraging required teamwork, planning, and the sharing of knowledge. Unlike other primates, humans developed the peer instinct, allowing them to learn through observation and imitation. This capability led to advanced tool use, problem-solving, and the establishment of social structures. Rituals and symbols further solidified group cohesion by combining practical and symbolic functions, reinforcing trust and shared purpose.

The book highlights the power of cultural signals and storytelling in shaping societal behavior. An example is the temperance movement in the United States, which led to Prohibition in 1920. Through public pledges and media campaigns, the movement created a powerful cultural signal of abstinence. However, when it became clear that the public’s true sentiments did not align with this narrative, Prohibition was repealed. This shift showed that cultural signals are influential but vulnerable if they do not reflect genuine values.

Storytelling can also drive change. Brazilian telenovelas in the 1970s and 1980s influenced societal norms by portraying modern women and smaller families, leading to lower birth rates as viewers emulated the characters. In Tanzania, a radio drama about safe sex during the AIDS crisis used relatable characters to spark group discussions, effectively spreading important health messages. These examples demonstrate that when stories resonate emotionally, they can alter behaviors and societal norms.

When it comes to enacting cultural change, both grassroots and top-down approaches play important roles. Grassroots movements often start with small, everyday actions that gradually build into broader societal changes. Gandhi’s independence movement in India, for instance, used simple acts like spinning yarn as powerful symbols of resistance. Over time, these actions helped mobilize larger protests against British colonial rule.

Top-down approaches rely on leaders or institutions to drive change. Sweden's decision to switch to driving on the right side of the road is a prime example of successful top-down cultural change. The government implemented this change with careful planning and public education, showing how institutional pushes can create lasting behavioral shifts. However, both grassroots and top-down strategies can fail if they lack clear goals or if they ignore public sentiment. Movements like Occupy Wall Street struggled due to a lack of leadership and focus, while poorly planned top-down changes, such as Russia's economic liberalization after the Soviet Union, faced resistance from an unprepared populace.

Organizations and leaders often use stories and traditions to build unity and identity. Narratives create a sense of belonging by aligning with shared values and history. For example, Harley-Davidson cultivates loyalty through traditions such as motorcycle rallies and vintage designs, emphasizing its heritage. Political leaders like Nelson Mandela also effectively used cultural narratives, integrating local ideas like ubuntu to promote reconciliation in post-apartheid South Africa.

Stories work because they meet universal human needs. People admire heroes, respect traditions, and seek connection to a larger group. By crafting authentic and consistent narratives, organizations can inspire loyalty and action. During challenging times, such as after public controversies, institutions like the NFL have used storytelling to reconnect with their audiences. However, these strategies can backfire if the stories feel manipulative or inauthentic, potentially creating distrust instead of unity.

The book also explores how cultural instincts can lead to both unity and toxic tribalism. Toxic tribalism manifests as "us versus them" mentalities, often exacerbated by social media and geographical divides. Social media algorithms create echo chambers, reinforcing existing beliefs and deepening divides. Toxic tribalism leads to separate realities where people struggle to find common ground on important issues, from climate change to politics. Even consumer choices become symbols of identity, contributing to polarization.

However, the same instincts that drive division can be redirected toward unity. Emphasizing shared values is one way to bridge divides. For instance, environmental activists have found success by framing climate change in religious terms, appealing to conservative audiences. Using neutral language and creating opportunities for connection outside of divisive topics can also help. In sports, for example, multi-ethnic teams in Iraq reduced mistrust through collaboration.

Leadership plays a critical role in fostering inclusivity. Programs like Intel’s minority hiring initiatives demonstrate how intentional efforts can create diverse and cohesive environments. Even symbols can influence unity. In Catalonia, blending traditions at festivals helped ease cultural tensions, while removing divisive symbols like Confederate statues in the U.S. showed promise in reducing hostilities.

The book concludes by reinforcing the idea that cultural instincts such as cooperation, rituals, and storytelling are at the core of human connection and societal development. While these instincts can lead to division when misused, they also hold the potential to build stronger, more inclusive communities. By understanding how these instincts work and learning to harness them constructively, leaders and communities can transform division into opportunities for unity and progress. Ultimately, "Tribal" offers valuable insights into how cultural instincts can be a force for good, guiding societies toward a more cohesive and collaborative future.

[Blair · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Tribal” is a book the examines the cultural drivers that bind people together, divide “Us” vs. “Them”, and which the author argues, can be used to unite us once again.

Michael Morris begins this book with the hypothesis that tribes are more important than individuals in determining how most people think and act. For the author “Walking upright was not as important as working together as a hunting party.”

Mr. Morris then quotes Robin Dunbar when he said “Big (human) brains evolved for mastery of the social environment, not mastery of the physical environment.” (Page 9.).

For the author, humans don’t tend to solve problems individually; rather we solve them tribally. This is why Homo Sapiens were more successful Homo Neanderthals: Homo Sapiens were able to scale larger than these more powerful competitors. (This is Noah Yuval Harari’s argument in his famous book “Sapiens”.)

This thinking that tribes are more important than individuals, runs contrary to most forms of Western thinking, that believes the individual is more important than the group. It’s also more like Eastern thinking where collective thinking is more common. (This East-West debate reminds me of Joseph Henrich’s thinking in his book WEIRD – Western, Educated, Industrialised, Rich, and Democratic - where Westerner are exceptions to the “Normal” rule of human tribes. The Eastern, collective and tribal ways, seem to be more of the norm.)

In expanding this discussion on the importance of Tribes, the author then identifies and delves in three drivers of tribal thinking and behavior: 1.) peer instincts, 2.) heroes, and 3.) the importance of ancestors and traditions. It’s the numerous and different references the author makes related to peers, heroes, and history that, for me, are the most interesting part of the book.

For example, Morris raises the idea that when people speak one or more different languages they act differently when speaking different languages. Further, those who have two or more languages can thus transfer more quickly from one tribal way of thinking to another tribal way of thinking i.e., they are more malleable.

I’ve seen this and understand it based on my own behaviour while living abroad and speaking in other languages – albeit most of the time struggling with these other tongues. I’m a different person depending on the language I use – more formal and deferential when speaking Japanese and more light-hearted in Thai – when compared to using English.

The author also discussed how some tribal movements succeed while others fizzle. To highlight this, he presents the case how Sweden was able to encourage its drivers to switch form driving on the Left-hand side of the Road to the right – and it worked. Whereas in the case of Prohibition in the United States when a small group of folks (approximately 25% of adult) were able to push their temperance views forward – which the majority at first accepted but then rebelled – so the proposition did not work. In this he present ways that “Top down” thinking can work and how “Bottom up” or grassroots thinking can also work – or not work depending on the circumstances.

The author also uses specific examples of how tribal leaders use peer pressure, hero worship and a selective use of the past to drive change. The cases he cites include modern leaders such as Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela and yes, even Donald Trump, who all knew how to reach, and motivate, their respective tribes.

Mr. Morris is at his best in the last 40 pages of the book when he discusses how we can employ tribal behaviour to change the world – focusing on peers, heroes, and history to do so. I’ll have to reread this section as it contained the overall lessons learned from the book.

There was nothing I disliked about “Tribal” although at times it seemed to meander and get lost in the many stories and details. Perhaps that weakness could be addressed with a tighter structure. That would have taken Tribal from being a good book to a great book.

In conclusion, Tribal did alter my perspective on life, accomplishing this with an interesting argument. I’ll now think more of tribes and the influence of peers, heroes, and history – in how they’re powered.

Tribal is well worth the read.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

W zeszłym roku czytałam ,,Rytuały" (o tym jaką rolę w naszym życiu odrywają rytuały) i ,,Przetrwają najżyczliwsi" (siła wcale nie jest tym co zadecydowało o przetrwaniu gatunku homo sapiens). ,,Plemienni" to doskonała pozycja, która uzupełnia dwie poprzednie. Pozornie powtarza to co już wiemy. Czy tego chcemy czy nie, jesteśmy gatunkiem stadnym - łączymy się w grupy a kryteria doboru są różne: poglądy religijne, polityczne, miejsce zamieszkania, praca, szkoła. To sprawia, że nie wiedząc kiedy stajemy się plemieniem, w którym jeden członek zależy od drugiego.

Michael Morris na podstawie wielu prostych i obrazowych przykładów pokazuje jak istotny jest instynkt plemienny i po kolei szczegółowo opisuje jego elementy. Już sam wstęp przekonuje do książki i pokazuje w jaki sposób będzie snuta opowieść o najważniejszych mechanizmach przetrwania ludzkości. Bo czy da się łatwiej przykuć uwagę niż przywołać Mundial 2002 i Guusa Hiddicka, który z słabo ocenianą Koreą Południową dotarł do półfinału? Aby tego dokonać musiał złamać kod kulturowy Koreańczyków i na nowo ich zaprogramować. Nie było to zadaniem łatwym bo zależności plemienne trzymały się mocno i stanowiły podstawę tożsamości Koreańczyków.

Mundial 2002 to otwierający przykład, który pomaga zrozumieć o czym będzie mowa w książce. Później krok po kroku rozkładany na czynniki pierwsze jest cały instynkt plemienny zaczynają od zdefiniowania czym jest współczesne plemię, poprzez to co je kształtuje jak instynkt bohatera, wpływ przodków, sygnały prestiżu czy tworzenie się baniek informacyjnych. Morris opowiada ciekawie, sypiąc anegdotami ale równocześnie pokazując jak pozornie błahe rzeczy mogę mieć potężną siłę oddziaływania, pod warunkiem że odpowiednio się je ukierunkuje. W tym miejscu trzeba przeczytać co opery mydlane miały wspólnego z kontrolą urodzeń w Brazylii. Zaskakujące jest też zrozumienie jakie mechanizmy zadziałały, że udało się wprowadzić prohibicję w Stanach Zjednoczonych na początku XX wieku. Wszystkie te zjawiska nabierają głębokiego sensu gdy zrozumiemy, że oparte są na naszym głęboko zakorzenionym instynkcie oraz na więziach jakie tworzymy z innymi ludźmi.

Ta książka to solidna dawka wiedzy, w bardzo przystępnej formie. Wyjaśnia zjawiska jakie rozgrywają się na naszych oczach. Chyba najbardziej szokujący jest ostatni rozdział, który w prawdzie mówi o współczesnych Stanach Zjednoczonych ale bez problemu da się przenieść na polskie środowisko. Od kilkunastu lat obserwujemy rozłam pomiędzy zwolennikami dwóch głównych partii. I nie jest to tylko kwestia przekonań politycznych i wzajemnej niechęci. Te zjawiska objaw toksycznej plemienności, która będzie się tylko pogłębiać, dopóki ktoś skutecznie nie przełamie wykształconej bariery.

,,Plemiennych" czyta się jednym tchem. To solidna wiedza psychologiczna, antropologiczna i socjologiczna, pomocna w zrozumieniu świata i wzajemnych międzyludzkich zależności. Może pomóc liderom/szefom w budowaniu różnorodnego środowiska, które będzie efektywne i przyjazne. Ale też pokazuje co nas łączy, co nas motywuje i co jest dla ludzi siłą napędową do rozwoju jako społeczność. Polecam!

[Brian Clegg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before I got into popular science books I was a big fan of the really impressive business book - something like, for instance, Maverick, Ricardo Semler's astonishing account of transforming a family business. Now mostly a reader of popular science, I find most business books facile and full of padding - so it was refreshing to read this business-popular science crossover on the nature of our 'tribal' cultural instincts - primarily relating to peers, heroes and ancestors in the broadest sense and how these influence our interactions.

Although in some ways I'd dispute Michael Morris's approach in putting tribalism central - I personally am more inclined to see the way we tell each other stories as central to what he describes, with tribalism just as symptom of that - it is still an engaging hypothesis. Morris gives us plenty of examples from around the world of the benefits that these instincts have brought over the millennia.

Perhaps particularly interesting at a time when American politics has been described as 'toxic tribalism' is Morris's take on this. He starts strongly with a story of sharing a cab with a Republican on the night Hillary Clinton lost the election in 2016, emphasising the shock realisation that his own Democrat tribalism was just as much based on poor understanding as was his opponent's Republican equivalent. There is also an attempt to suggest a way to reduce the toxicity by moving from an 'anti-them' approach to a 'pro-us' approach, though this is a little short on practical solutions.

All in all, I found the book engaging, but part of the reason I consider it a business book crossover is that, unlike a true popular science book it is very shallow in the way it engages with the science, using lots (and lots) of passing references to studies which hardly ever give any detail of what was involved or the science behind them. (I also consider it a business book as it was shortlisted for the FT business book of the year.)

Worryingly, there is not a mention of the replication crisis that has rocked psychology and other soft sciences - not only are many of the studies referenced from the pre-2012 period when it has been suggested around two thirds of studies were useless, Morris even references some that have been specifically debunked.

Because, however, we are presented with quite a shallow take, this is more forgivable than in book with a purer popular science approach. Even though the grounding in academic research may be limited, it's hard not to feel that there is a genuine basis for this concept. I can't entirely forgive the author for ignoring the replication crisis, but this doesn't nullify the engaging nature of the premise.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

Way too many stories and armchair explanations for me. Morris would end one long story with a bit of theorising and jump straight into another long story. I don't know if he had to pad his book or something, but these were soooo long. Many of his explanations were probably right, but also really hard to verify, and sounded like 'just so' stories. He occasionally references studies, but I wonder how many of them featured in the replication crisis. "Participants chose X, but when they'd been primed with a picture of abc, they preferred Y".

Despite all of that, this was a good 'discussion' of tribalism. Morris points out that humans think positively about their in-group about 10 times as frequently as they think negatively about out-groups (if you trust the studies), and that a lot of what looks like (or feels like) negative discrimination is actually positive in-group favouritism. Three year olds show in-group favouritism, but don't display out-group discrimination until they're six, probably because three year olds rely on their own tribe long before they interact with anyone outside of their group (this could be evolutionarily programmed into our genetics due to its adaptive value).

Morris describes his own experience of realising that people across the political divide are seeing the world differently, something we can easily get sheltered from. He also talks about the effects of exposing people to other opinions - surprisingly, or not, this doesn't always cause people to be open minded. It can often cause people to double-down on their own beliefs. Often, exposing people to opponents' interests (coffee, hiking, etc) breaks down the barriers better than exposing them to their ideologies (which can cause the backfire effect).

Similarly, an effective way of bringing someone out of a cult might not be to rationally challenge their beliefs (this can trigger the idea that they're 'under attack', fulfilling their 'prophecies' about the evil world out to get them), but to have a respected cult member leave the cult (he suggests an 'infiltrator'), which makes it permissible for others to consider leaving. Cult membership may be as much social as it is rational. I can testify to that. Although my own exit from religion felt quite rational, the social pressures were huge. Perhaps if I'd actually seen someone else leave, I might have gotten out much sooner.

I'd be curious to read more books on this topic, but I'm a bit tired of armchair psychology and spurious social studies at the moment, so it would have to be pretty rigorous. Without so many damn stories!

[Michael McCormick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Professor Morris's book gives great guidance on how the "cultural instincts that divide us can help bring us together," in his book, "Tribal," and it is chock full of incredible stories that back up his ideas about peer codes, hero codes, ancestry/tradition, etc., that leaders can use to make this happen.

As I read "Tribal," I remembered back to a lot of things that I have come across in my life, such as when I was an officer in the Army's 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment and our motto was "Remember your regiment and follow your officers." Professor Morris cites a fellow that comments that "war is a ritual," but I would cite former Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates, who says that "some of the biggest doves in Washington wear the uniform."

Anyway, I enjoyed reading Professor Morris's account of how "shock therapy" was effective in Poland after the end of the Cold War, but not in Russia, and how "grassroots" and "shock therapy" can both be effective, even used together, to effect societal change.

But I disagree with these sentiments about Russia insofar as what I know about the end of the Cold War with respect to intelligence failures and betrayals of U.S. national security that led to the West's failures to establish democracy in Russia (and China) after the end of the U.S.S.R. and after the fall of the Berlin wall. It's those things, not the failures of "shock therapy" that led to Boris Yeltsin's not getting traction, and then to Putin, and on to now.

These are basic factual errors.

What's more, I was reminded very much when I read "Tribal" of the "Nadler-Tushman Model" of organizational behavior and organizational change that we studied at Columbia Business School in the mid/late 1990's, before Professor Morris's arrival after the turn of the millennium. At times, I felt that "Tribal" was a kind of rehash of what had held at CBS before Professor Morris.

Nevertheless, I do not discount "Tribal" one bit, and I am deeply grateful to Professor Morris for his book and for his incredible wealth of knowledge on social history and change and how we all can leverage our cultural instincts that divide us to help bring us together.

[Abhay Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

⚫️Michael Morris's book, Tribal, is a thought-provoking dive into one of the most complex forces shaping our world today: tribalism. In a time when the term often conjures up images of conflict and division, Morris offers a refreshing perspective arguing that our tribal instincts aren't just obstacles to overcome, but essential tools for human progress and community building.

⚫️As a respected cultural psychologist and professor at Columbia, Morris brings a level of academic rigor and clarity to his main point: our tribal wiring rooted in our evolutionary need to belong, mimic, and honor tradition has allowed us to collaborate in ways we’ve never seen before. He skillfully reveals how these instincts influence everything from national identity to workplace culture, and how we can harness them to foster unity, creativity, and cultural resilience.

⚫️What sets Tribal apart is its blend of scholarly insight and engaging storytelling. Morris weaves together compelling case studies from business, politics, and history with cutting-edge psychological research. The result is not only deeply informative but also incredibly enjoyable to read. His view of tribalism as a "misunderstood superpower" is not just convincing it’s inspiring.

⚫️Instead of viewing tribal behavior as irrational or harmful, Morris invites us to recognize it as a fundamental human characteristic that can be directed toward positive ends. Whether you’re a leader aiming to cultivate a healthier organizational culture, a policymaker facing issues of division, or just someone intrigued by human behavior, this book is packed with essential insights and practical advice.

⚫️In a crowded field of books on culture and identity, Tribal stands out for its clarity, originality, and hopeful outlook. It challenges readers to rethink what connects and divides us, offering a powerful vision for how we can leverage our innate instincts for the greater good.

Happy reading ❤️✨

[Eddie Chua · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting way to start the book, as author used the Korean football team of Guus Hiddink era, as the example of what tribalism and traditional is about. There are both the good and bad of it; though author was trying to draw attention of how outdated and traditions of lesser meaning, can do more harm than good. Nevertheless, having rituals can band and build the strength of a community. Quoting author, "traditions are invaluable for unifying a team, but rituals can be teaching the wrong lessons".

As I read the book, one strong message to me was understand how one may behave and choose differently as compared to being alone versus when being in a group. One tends to imitate and begin to mirror their peers in group setting. "We are tribal creatures, wired to enact peer patterns". Are we really monkey see monkey do (follow)? I would disagree, as the human ability to think and process information is far superior as compared to primates. However, many experiments and studies have shown, that humans will learn quickly to adapt and follow thy neighbors, to fit in, to become part of the community. Or in some cases, following the leader. The question then, 'do we know if our decisions are of self or influenced unconsciously'?

Difference in the different tribes can be vast, triggering with fears and concerns towards conflict, towards hostility. However, to assume that conflicts start from hostility is inaccurate and unhelpful.
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world" - Margaret Mead
We are all different, having out own programming based on region, customs, religion, ideology (from home and community), thus we have our own tribe; a collective of similar. No one tribe SHOULD dominate another, no one tribe is absolute. The question left for is, for me to ponder about is inclusivity.

[Charles Reed · Rating 2 out of 5]

45%
Using tribalism for good or not because tribalism are releasing that. Good other thing. As a reason that I fell out popularity for Uh, popular psychology quite a few years ago. Do you know where we use tribalism? Uh, we use an advertising and marketing.

Hi, it's loud. I use it for like, what is my ideal audience segment? Who is my ideal customer?

Is the customer that's buying for me the most.

And just general realizing a stereotyping the crap out of that.

Like, Oh, your name is John Smith from Washington DC?

You like to exercise like these books.

And go to the ballet and really care about your health. Congratulations, John Smith, I'm going to sell to a bunch of John Smith. Congratulations! Welcome to the John Smith tribe.

That's what we got going on here.

And that's why it gets stupid. Because we say, yeah, we'll use it for good.

I'll be using it to reach customers actually want to products. It's a good thing. Using these things for

Uh kind of like a weird segregation thing to find Unity. It's not cool actually. I mean that's what you're doing here. You're doing labeling and getting people grouped up together but you're not really unifying them and that's why It's really weird that at this end. You did this thing where you're talking about, like, oh no. We definitely had everyone coming together because the blending of ethnics backgrounds here in the celebratory Festival. Back That Up with proof for why that was reducing racism and second of all

It's countered, your point.

That's not tribalsama. I mean unless you want to say the tribe of the human race, that's a cool tribe. We can all belong to that tribe.

[Grace Appler · Rating 5 out of 5]

As tribal animals, we are bound to our peers, our heroes, and our ancestors — not just to our own interests. These instincts helped us survive Ice Age, but also led us to genocide. It could be part of the problem, it can also be part of the solution. Understanding these instincts and leveraging them can be more effective in changing our behavior than urging for rational thinking.

Peer instinct: triggered by tribal signs
Hero instinct: triggered by tribal symbols
Ancestor instinct: triggered by ceremonies and threats

To trigger social changes, send prevalence signal, prestige signal, host ceremonies

In Grass-root movements, change ripples from ordinary people’s daily life (peer instinct) to collect ideals shared in media (prestige instinct) and finally to public traditions and institutions (ancestor instinct)

The defensive reflex of established groups who fear displacement has contributed to the wave of populism in diversifying countries over the past decades.

Group transformation usually requires two steps: (1) top-down compliance-based shock therapy to break down the old way (2) bottom-up commitment-based grassroots strategy to establish the new way.

To change behavior, instead of encouraging more rational decision-making, establish new signals to appeal to the three instincts: find new peers to develop better habits, find new heroes for better aspirations, or find new interpretation of history to develop better traditions.

Human instincts do not hate other tribes. They fight back when they feel their tradition is threatened (ancestor instinct). “War is a ritual, a deadly ritual”. A lot of discrimination and inequality come not from out-group hate but in-group bond (favoritism)

[Calum Russell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tribalism is a topic that I have been interested in for a while as it is clear to see that so many of our behaviours as individuals and as a society are shaped by our instincts that have become established from our evolution as a tribal species. However, my own reflections always focused on the negatives of this tribal behaviour. I was eager to find any book that explored behavioural psychology linked to tribalism and found myself even more curious when discovering Michael Morris' book due to the optimistic subtitle. Now I did enjoy the book, it reinforced a lot of ideas I had and enlightened me to a lot of new ideas, but I must have zoned out when reading the part that was intended to fill me with optimism. I am now even more entrenched in my belief that our tribalistic tendencies are more likely than not to lead to society's demise. Why? because it would require a high degree of self-awareness from everyone to prevent our tribalistic nature from being manipulated by the great powers that control our media and hope to divide and conquer society for their own personal gain. There is a reason billionaires own media companies. But back to the book: this subject is of massive importance, and I thank the author for writing it. I hope that the topic would get more attention so that people wake up and see how easily manipulated we are and how dire the potential consequences could be.

[Booksbyhanna11 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: Tribal by Michael Morris
⁣
👥 Why do we feel such a deep connection to certain groups?
Why do we defend our “own” and sometimes clash with others—often without fully knowing why?
⁣
In Tribal, cultural psychologist Michael Morris takes us on a fascinating journey through the psychology of group identity. He reveals how our minds are wired for belonging—from families and nations to social circles and ideologies.
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🧠 With a mix of research, real-life stories, and clear insight, Morris shows how these tribal instincts influence our thoughts, behavior, and beliefs—often more than we realize.
⁣
✨ But here’s the twist: Tribalism isn’t just about division. It’s also about creativity, connection, and collaboration. When we understand our tribal nature, we gain the power to build bridges instead of walls.
⁣
⚡ Whether it’s how we vote, work, love, or think, our tribes are always at play. This book makes you pause, reflect, and see the invisible forces guiding human behavior.
⁣
📚 Perfect for fans of:

Psychology & sociology

Nonfiction with real-world impact

Books that challenge your worldview
⁣
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A sharp, thoughtful read that sticks with you.
⁣
#BookReview #TribalByMichaelMorris #PsychologyBooks #Tribalism #HumanBehavior #MichaelMorris #NonFictionBooks #BookstagramFeature #ThoughtProvokingReads #IdentityAndBelonging #GroupPsychology #ReadThisBook

[Emma Seppälä · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a fellow psychologist, I've always known that Michael Morris is the authority on cultural psychology and leadership and I was so grateful he wrote TRIBAL.

Culture is such a fascinating topic - why do we do what we do the way we do it vs someone from another culture who does what they do differently because they literally see the world differently. The human experience is fascinating. What's more, we change how we do things when we learn from others, upgrading our thinking. And that's a good thing.

Dr. Morris is such a profound thinker and he shows us how we can harness our deep-seated need for belonging to create communities that are unified rather than divided and in so doing, how to bring greater good into the world.

If there was ever a time when this message was needed, it would be right here and right now. Thank you, Dr. Morris for writing this epic book that we can all use to live happier, healthier and more vibrant lives.

[Bookwises · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: A Game-Changing Perspective on Tribalism

Michael Morris's "Tribal" is a revelatory book that challenges conventional wisdom on tribalism. Morris skillfully argues that our tribal instincts are a superpower that can be harnessed for positive change.

Through engaging storytelling and meticulous research, Morris shows how our tribal instincts influence our behavior and decision-making. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in psychology, sociology, politics, or business.

Highly recommended for its thought-provoking insights and empowering message!

A fascinating read that will change your perspective on human behavior.
Morris's writing is engaging, accessible, and filled with real-world examples.
This book is a valuable resource for leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to make a positive impact.
A truly insightful and inspiring read!

[Simon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating book that challenges our ideas on how people form their views.
It's been known for a while we are not rationally driven, however, rather than views coming from within, the impact of the 'tribe' is explained here.

Lots of valuable insights

For version 2 I'd like to see more tangible actions suggested, particularly for real life such as in business.
For a short book trying to explain a complex subject clearly there are far too many unclear words that make it seem the author is trying to appear clever. Personally I think the ability to make a complex subject simple shows true intelligence!

Recommend read for anyone trying to understand human behavior, and potentially change it!

[Eftychia Stamkou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tribal by Michael Morris offers a fresh perspective on our innate tribal instincts, reframing them as a powerful force for cooperation and cultural progress. The book explains how these instincts—conforming, giving to the group, and following traditions—shape our identities and loyalties in ways that can be harnessed for positive change. Blending research with real-world examples, Morris provides valuable insights into how understanding these impulses can help us improve teamwork, heal divisions, and drive societal progress. A timely and thought-provoking read!

[Timon Ruban · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quite a boring read, but on an interesting topic.

"I was raised (as you may have been too) to see rationality, creativity, and morality as the hallmarks of humanity, and I viewed conformity, status-seeking, and traditionalism as fallibilities. But [...] I've come to see my former humanities worldview as naive, or at least incomplete. Our tribal instincts are not bugs in the system that hinder an otherwise intelligent species. They are the distinguishing features of our kind that enabled its evolutionary ascent–and still drive many of its greatest achievements today."

[JS Chun · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant analysis by my favorite cultural psychologist. This book challenges our stereotypes about tribalism and explains how we can harness this deeply ingrained aspect of human nature, which has been shaped over millions of years.
The book is accessible yet offers profound insights: Since our tribal instinct is here to stay, why not channel it toward greater goals? This book has something valuable to offer to both individuals and society as a whole.

[Aaron Wallen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Few nonfiction books can be called "page turners," but *Tribal* by Professor Michael Morris is that rare book. Whether you are a fan of history, politics, sports, or business, he incorporates fascinating stories from these areas to help you learn why groups and teams succeed and fail. In doing so, *Tribal* provides indispensable lessons for leaders in getting their messages across, and inspiring the organizations and people they lead to perform at their best and achieve shared goals.

[Melanie Tomsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tribalism is amazing, riveting, and exemplifies the current state, with both examples and logic, spoken visual imagery, and just the right amount of personal relatability to the reader.
Tribal offers a phenomenal intermix of decades worth of knowledge, pure intelligence, and present accuracy of the predicaments many of us face, with regard to the possibility of sustaining ourselves as a species and the future.
This book is a must read.

[Daniel Moser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now more than ever do I yearn to live in the past times before the internet, online dating, social media, and most of all the loneliness epidemic. This book is filled with scientific examples on how we as humans move mountains when we work together as a tight unit. Something I've personally always craved was knowing everyone in "a village" and having a place where I truly belong. Tribal validates my feelings that we as humans were meant to be in person, fully connected, and there to rely on each other to survive rather than work from home on a computer. A fantastic read if you're looking to better understand why deep down inside you crave a lifelong tight knit community of people to be there for you, and vice versa.