Modern society has perfected the art of making Meaning Factcheck Usage

Context

Junger was looking at a paradox: why do some soldiers have a harder time coming home to a safe, comfortable society than they did in a dangerous war zone? His argument is that in a platoon, in a tribe, you have a clear, irreplaceable purpose. You look out for each other. Modern society, for all its safety and abundance, often fails to provide that same profound sense of belonging and mutual dependency.

Usage Examples

This isn’t just an academic idea. You can use it to reframe so many conversations. For instance, when talking to a friend who’s feeling burned out and pointless at their corporate job. Or when discussing the mental health crisis with a colleague—it points to a root cause deeper than just chemical imbalance. It’s also powerful for leaders and managers trying to build a stronger company culture. You have to ask: How am I making my team feel necessary? Truly, genuinely needed?

To whom it appeals?

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FAQ

Question: Is Junger saying we should go back to a tribal society?

Answer: Not at all. He’s not advocating for a literal return, but rather highlighting what we’ve lost so we can find ways to reintegrate those elements—deep community, mutual aid, a clear sense of purpose—into our modern lives.

Question: Does this mean modern society is bad?

Answer: It’s more about the trade-offs. We’ve gained incredible material comfort and individual freedom, but we’ve often sacrificed the deep, psychological security that comes from being an indispensable part of a small, tightly-knit group.

Question: How can I combat this feeling in my own life?

Answer: It’s about seeking out or creating your own “tribes.” Find communities where your specific presence matters—a sports team, a volunteer group, a mastermind group, a close-knit neighborhood. Places where if you didn’t show up, people would genuinely notice and be affected.