“The good news is that we are all one. The bad news is that only a few realize this.”
At the risk of thinking in simplistic terms, let’s consider that at different times we are driven and motivated by one of two personal forces: the common enemy or the common good. In fear-fueled times, we identify the cause of that fear, the enemy, and respond with our tribal instincts. In calmer times, our tribal instincts diminish, and we can pay attention to the welfare of all, or what is the common good.
Tribal might be defined as a large group (a nation or nationalism) or a smaller group (supporters of group think). In both cases, FEAR is the critical factor driving tribal thinking.
The Common Enemy
When we identify the Common Enemy, we gather our family, blockade the doors, and retrieve our defensive weapons. Or we might gather a few extended, like-minded family members and friends to build a fort shielding us from the perceived evil lurking outside and threatening our lives or well-being. In exceptional times, we may even commission members of our group to pursue and destroy the evil thus safeguarding our lives, livelihoods, and possessions.
Having a common enemy makes us feel safe in numbers and called a “tribe.” It also makes us a cohesive group that doesn’t tolerate variance from the way the entire tribe thinks. That would be close to heresy and could culminate in being dismissed or shunned. The tribal group views things in terms of black or white with few gray areas. And, of course, can be extremely righteous.
The implication of fighting a common enemy is that there is always a winner and always a loser. If I lose, you win. If I win, you lose. Sometimes, it may culminate in a “lose-lose” situation where nobody wins. (For example: Cubs win a double header if Cubs win a game and White Sox lose. And vice versa. But what if both teams lose?)
The Common Good
The Common Good is more prevalent during less stressful times. Of course, there may be an enemy outside, but it is rather harmless, not a serious threat to me and my family. Tribal thinking is reduced, not eliminated. It will tend to dissipate with enough understanding and knowledge.
The common good recognizes the value and dignity of every human being along with every dimension of our natural world. It implies that we share ourselves and our resources with one another for mutual benefit.
Common Good people will assert that some sacrifice is required to make things better for others. After all, we’re in this together. You win, because it makes life more worthwhile; I win, because together we can make the world better and we both do better. If it’s good for everyone, it’s good for me, too.
The Role of Leadership
Leaders, at least in democratic systems, represent the times and core beliefs of large segments of society which are based on a set of nationally agreed-upon principles. (Like the U.S. Constitution, etc.) While turbulent times spring from real or imagined external dangers and from deep seated fundamental beliefs, a leader has the capability to heal, calm and guide… or fan flames and incite division.
If we think of leaders in a variety of levels – from the national, local, book club organizer, and neighborhood – we might also think in terms of “thought” leaders not merely political leaders. The leader of today might not be viewed very kindly in the longer view of history. Likewise, the dissident voice of disagreement might be looked on as truthful years later.
The Role of Follower
Seldom do people think about those of us who follow leaders. Leaders may take on an aura of a savior if we don’t check ourselves. Actually, it’s the followers who project that image onto the leader. Is it because we do not have confidence to think for ourselves?
Our role of being a follower is to challenge. He/she is human with all that entails, and our obligation is more like checks and balances. Blind followers do no one a favor.
The main question we have to ask ourselves is, “Why are we here? To make a positive difference in our world? Create a legacy for our descendants and the next generation? Have a statue or our likeness chiseled into a piece of granite?”
A rational individual can make an educated choice between being primarily driven by a Common Enemy and a Common Good. It is doubtful that anyone would be 100% in either situation but rather in degrees of “commonness” and a preponderance of one over the other.
How About “Uncommon Sense?”
Common sense might best be employed with a foundation of experience and knowledge. It is defined as “sound and prudent judgment based on a simple perception of the situation or facts.” Or “an average degree of judgmental ability without the sophistication or special knowledge.”
Rather than merely “common sense,” we need to reach for above average sense and judgment. Perhaps we need to go to this next level called Uncommon Sense or Wisdom and tip the scale toward what is really needed today. The Common Good of all.
“Doing the right thing, surrendering our short-term self-interest to serve the needs of the whole, has never been easy for humankind, but now, more than ever, that is exactly what we must do. Future generations are counting on us.”
Laurence Overmire
Braidwood Beginnings 