The Socialization of Animal Nature

Throughout the course of human existence we’ve been trying to socialize human nature . . . and human nature is animal nature.

•  We are wired to focus on ourselves.

•  We are wired to protect ourselves and those closest to us.

•  We are wired to feel safer with the familiar and cautious toward the unfamiliar.

•  We are wired to scan our surroundings for threats.

•  We are wired to react defensively toward what feels different or unsafe.

•  We are wired with a stress response that protects us, but can also divide us.

As long as those in power (on both sides)… those we elect (on both sides)… those we listen to (on both sides)… are more interested in protecting their tribe than the whole, and painting everyone else as a threat, it’s hard to be optimistic that this will change.

But here’s the good news: individually and within our homes, we can choose differently.

Guard your mental & emotional health. Don’t get provoked or sucked into extreme narratives, or into battles with extreme people. You don’t have to cut them out, but you don’t have to feed the drama either.

Use your brain. What separates us from other animals is our ability to reflect and reason. You know right from wrong. You know loving from hateful. Don’t let stress or the need to belong trap you in tribes or trauma.

Obsess about purpose, not division. That said, if your purpose or passion leads you toward hate or “us vs. them,” it’s coming from insecurity, not true purpose. Obsess about what excites you. Obsess about what’s good. Obsess about contributing positively to the world around you. I think we are in a state where people are confusing stress and fear for purpose.

This is today's survival of the fittest. Our ability to navigate the craziness and not get tricked and trapped into extreme narratives, unnecessary stress and conflict.