Tribalism

I am reading The Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins. This book was originally published in 1976. In the first 80 pages I have read so far Dawkins argues all life forms are nothing more than gene survival machines. Genes are the blueprint from which the body is built. The body parts are built to like things that enhance the chances of gene survival and multiplication, and to dislike things that reduce them. The degree to which life forms cooperate and even sacrifice for others is directly related to the degree to which the shared genes are able to multiply and survive. This is why a parent is more inclined to sacrifice for the benefit of a child than a child for the benefit of a parent or a sibling. As the circle expands the degree of altruism declines, but not in a linear and completely predictable fashion. There are ups and down. The book offers various insightful explanations for these variabilities.

There is a higher level of gene commonality among the member of a given species compared to those outside the species. Within a species, members of a group are likely to share genes to a higher degree than those outside the group. Among human beings, in due course, these groups must have evolved into tribes. These tribal feelings are hard coded deep inside our genes. This is the source of "us" against "them" emotion. Politicians from primitive times have manipulated this emotion to gain power.

The first step in this process of exploitation is developing a mechanism by which the tribal division can be achieved. Special rituals, stories, myths, markings were developed by politicians to encourage in-group cooperation and out-group hostility. This is the source of religion. My god against your god is a manifestation of this tribalism. In this context, monotheism is the worst. Polytheistic societies are relatively more tolerant of out-groups. Monotheism demands absolute fidelity to the in-group and absolute subjugation of out-group.

Fortunately, genes do not have direct control over human behavior. Genes cannot communicate with the brain on a real-time basis. Take for example a robot built by humans and sent into space. Also suppose that the robot reaches a planet several million light-years away. There is no way for the humans who built the robot to direct it in a real-time fashion. The robot will have to make all the necessary decisions based on the directives coded into its circuitry. Similarly, genes cannot control the brain in real-time. The brain functionality can be used in ways for which it is not designed. One such way is the understanding of human evolution and behavior which can help human minds overcome primitive emotions and breakout of the shackles of religion.