Tribal: How the Cultural Instincts That Divide Us Can Help Bring Us Together Hardcover – 1 October 2024

Great Book.

As a business strategist, I found the ideas in Tribal incredibly practical. Understanding the three instincts Morris describes helped me re-evaluate how my team functions and how to better shape group norms. The chapter on emulating admired heroes within organizations was especially impactful. This isn’t just theory—it’s applicable, and potentially transformative.

What makes Tribal stand out is its balanced tone—it’s hopeful without being naive, and critical without being cynical. Morris doesn’t sugarcoat the downsides of tribalism, but he invites us to engage with it constructively. This book helped me see how shared culture and collective memory can unite us, even in the face of difference. A compelling read for our times.

Michael Morris turns the idea of tribalism on its head. Instead of viewing it solely as a divisive force, Tribal shows how our instincts to follow, emulate, and preserve can be powerful forces for progress. The concept of the “peer,” “hero,” and “ancestor” instincts completely reframed the way I view group behavior—whether it’s in a company, a movement, or a nation. This book is deeply researched, accessible, and incredibly relevant to the polarized world we live in today.

Morris’s storytelling is strong, and his arguments are stronger. Tribal takes a term often used as a pejorative and shows how it’s the foundation of our success as a species. It made me rethink the way I view politics, religion, corporate loyalty—even fandom. Whether you’re a leader, a scholar, or a curious reader, this book will stay with you.

This is not your average psychology or business book. Morris brings clarity to the chaos of modern tribal behavior, offering a nuanced take on a topic we often oversimplify. His examples, from corporate dynamics to political divides, are both insightful and thought-provoking. Tribal offers not just analysis, but also solutions. Highly recommended for leaders, educators, and anyone interested in social cohesion.