TWO STATES
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Liquid, Gas and Plasma are sub-states of Fluids. They act much the same.
The point at which a Solid becomes a Fluid, or vice versa, is called Phase Change
In similar fashion there are two states of society...those inside your monkey sphere and everyone else. The monkeysphere is cognitive limit to the number of people with whom one can maintain stable social relationships. The keyword here is stable. With the monkeysphere, sometimes known as the family, the extended family, the club or the clan, one set of rules dominate. Out side of that group of approximately 150 to 250 people the rules break down. Irrationality increases proportionate to increase in the group size.
The increase is NOT linear. Perhaps it’s exponential or even logarithmic? Evidence to support this speculation is freeway traffic at rush hour or the presidential election. In either instance is rational behavior exhibited.
The ultimate exhibition of chaotic behavior among large groups is called war.
The technical term for this phenomena is nuckin futz.
The boundary between sanity and increasing insanity in groups is where the phase change occurs. Within the phase-change boundary one set of rules dominate. Out side the boundary there are no rules,chaos reigns. We seeks to impose a pattern upon it much like we impose a pattern upon the stars. Some folks call those patterns constellations. Other folks see patterns in the clouds.
Within the the monkeysphere, the family, the clan, whatever name you chose, an approximation of communism may occur. Socialism, to an extent, maybe the style within the clan. It’s marginally possible within the phase-change boundary. Outside the boundary it’s impossible. The only thing that works outside the border of the MonkeySphere is force.
Again upvoting your post.. :)
If you don't trust me with freedom, why should I trust you with power?
not the point..
but true..
States that don't trust their citizens with weapons likely have reasons not to.
Interesting topic.
On the one hand the larger the group the more likely that the acceptable/consensus behaviour is geared toward the lowest common denominator. So we see a lot of dumb behaviour in large groups, or mobs.
On the other hand the smaller the group the more likely it is to have a higher quality relationships and behaviour within the group, but it can result in competitive or tribalism toward other groups causing conflict.
Can there be a balance between the two? As is often the case, self-awareness of these groups and their behaviours will go a long way to improving them.
....result in competitive or tribalism toward other groups causing conflict.
Tribalism and competitive behavior is the default setting. It's hardwired into the brain by the genetic code and begins at birth. There is no way to avoid it that does not cause mental instability such as cognitive dissonance
Can there be a balance between the two?
Certainly. Increase material wealth for all, which is to say, increase the level of technology. It's a Maslow's hierarchy thing
To the extent that the bottom two levels are taken care of, there will likely be less physical violence. Except for crazy people...