The values we adopt and disregard at will
Why humans project one set of values but chase self-benefit
Everyone needs community.
Humans evolved such that being around other humans is necessary. No matter how introverted you tell yourself you are.
In the same way you would not be able to grow enough food to sustain yourself in absence of a grocery store or find a means of travel in absence of buying a car, you rely on other people in some undeniable way.
My work in politics taught me this clearly.
I’m not a scientist, but I am a social science student at the University of Toronto. This doesn’t make me qualified to explain the phenomenon behind my descriptions, and fortunately I do not need a degree to voice my opinion.
Popular social movements are perhaps the greatest example of this.
From Q-Anon in the United States, to self-proclaimed communist thinkers in Canada, to flat earthers, to the lizard squad hacking group.
These are all vastly different collections of people, who have created an effective community behind a belief.
They have their meetings, benefit by socializing, and as much as they may feel they are organizing something, it is more often than not simply a social activity and way for people to make friends among other like-minded individuals.
I feel people who participate in these things, for the most part, do it for themselves instead of the cause. Though most would never acknowledge it.
The same is often said for people repping company spirit, active members of political parties, and the sort.
People also see overt self-interest as evil, and I feel that’s wrong, but we can circle around to that.
I say this because I’ve noticed some people’s willingness to ditch their “values” when they no longer serve them, or when they challenge their self-interest.
I can’t imagine most individuals participating in socialist or communist movements would turn down a job that pays $100k+ in a year, even if that contradicted their anti-capitalist values.
Similarly, your selection of hardcore libertarian, anti-government, would probably not enjoy living in a state that exercises their supposed “values.”
Anecdotally, I’ve met a lot of “Liberals” who are, behind closed doors, anything but.
If all political parties are this way, it may be the case that these communities are built more based on a shared appreciation for a name or logo, rather than the ideals and values that guide them.
This goes for most identity-based causes, communities, and movements.
With so many people cosplaying a part, putting on a performance for some undisclosed ulterior motive, and rolling with it, there is a lot to question.
I won’t get existential.
I will say, I speculate most of the world is this way.
Publicly championing one set of values, while privately exercising another.
Then when the winds of fortune change, their values become nothing but a distant suggestion, and their community, a figment of their past and imagination.
Identifying with a group is, therefore, typically a response to a social need, or a play rooted in self-benefit.
If you stood to gain money, power, or influence over something by pretending to adopt a particular set of values, you probably would.
Or if you tell yourself you wouldn’t understand now that most people probably would, and already do.
“Strong beliefs loosely held.” - Someone, at some point.
Happy Friday.