Humans are mostly driven by social instincts from "summary" of The Righteous Mind by Jonathan Haidt
Jonathan Haidt argues that human beings are fundamentally social creatures, shaped by evolution to thrive in groups. Our social instincts drive much of our behavior, influencing everything from our moral judgments to our political beliefs. These instincts are deeply ingrained in us, guiding our interactions with others and shaping our sense of identity and belonging. From an evolutionary perspective, our social instincts can be traced back to our ancestors who lived in small, close-knit communities. In order to survive and reproduce in these harsh environments, individuals had to cooperate with one another, form alliances, and navigate complex social hierarchies. Those who were best able to navigate these social dynamics were more likely to pass on their genes to future generations, leading to the development of strong social instincts in humans. These social instincts manifest themselves in various ways in our modern lives. For example, we are naturally inclined to form moral judgments based on whether an action benefits or harms the group. We are also motivated to seek out and maintain social connections, as these relationships provide us with a sense of security, support, and validation. Our social instincts even influence our political beliefs, as we are more likely to align ourselves with groups that share our values and beliefs.- We can gain insight into why we behave the way we do. By recognizing the powerful role that our social nature plays in shaping our thoughts and actions, we can better navigate the complexities of social interactions and relationships. Ultimately, our social instincts are a fundamental part of what makes us human, driving us to seek connection, belonging, and meaning in our lives.
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