Missing Hard Times
Sebastian Junger’s Tribe: On Homecoming & Belonging

1,332 words

Sebastian Junger
Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging
Simon & Schuster, 2016

Since its first edition in 2016, this book had been on my list of books to read. Eight years later, I finally read it this weekend, coinciding with a conversation with friends about the drama of war and how it brings out both the best and worst in human behavior. In Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging, Sebastian Junger once again showcases his prose, marked by clarity and precision—the same qualities evident in War and Fire. His writing is also deeply emotional—Tribe is arguably the most emotionally resonant book of Junger’s that I’ve read, alongside War.

When we think of tribes, we often imagine factions, gangs, or clans, which is accurate to an extent. However, when Junger speaks of “tribe,” he refers to a version that is less polarized—unlike the tribalism we typically associate with the term—and not strictly limited to Dunbar’s number. Junger’s concept of a tribe is broader, yet imbued with a profoundly human warmth.

Junger understands the concept of “tribe” as a fundamental social unit that embodies loyalty, belonging, and shared purpose among its members, emphasizing that tribes are characterized by strong communal bonds, where individuals feel a deep connection to one another and to their shared experiences. In his view, the essence of a tribe lies in its ability to provide a sense of identity and meaning, particularly in times of hardship or conflict. Contrasting the tribal, primal experience with modern society, which he perceives as increasingly fragmented and alienating (a blessing as well as a curse arising from the comforts of the modern world), Junger argues that contemporary life often lacks the communal support and shared values that tribes naturally foster (we might well understand tribal experience versus modern society in the same way that we understand the idea of Gemeinschaft versus Gesellschaft). This disconnection can lead to feelings of isolation and purposelessness, especially for those returning from war, who may struggle to reintegrate into a society that does not understand their experiences.

The chapter named The Men and the Dogs explores into the historical and cultural significance of warfare among indigenous peoples, particularly focusing on Pontiac’s Rebellion, and Pontiac’s powerful oratory skills that galvanized a diverse group of warriors to unite against colonial forces, emphasizing the stakes involved in their struggle for survival and autonomy. We can read about the deep connections between the warriors and their land, as well as the communal bonds that warfare forged among them. This chapter also reflects on the psychological and emotional toll of conflict, exploring how the men and their dogs symbolized loyalty, companionship, and the harsh realities of war.

In War Makes You An Animal, Junger examines the dehumanizing effects of war on individuals and communities, illustrating how conflict transforms people into survival-driven beings. Exploring the communal life that emerges in the face of adversity, as seen in the experiences of teenagers living in bomb shelters during wartime, this chapter highlights the resilience of the human spirit, showcasing moments of joy, love, and creativity amidst chaos. It also addresses the psychological scars left by violence, emphasizing the dichotomy between the roles of leaders and followers in wartime. The author reflects on the complexities of human relationships forged in the crucible of conflict, revealing how war can simultaneously liberate and imprison individuals.

In Bitter Safety! Awake explores the psychological impact of war on soldiers and the alienation they experience upon returning home, noting the stark contrast between the camaraderie and purpose found in combat and the disconnection felt in civilian life. There is an emotional turmoil faced by veterans, who often struggle to reconcile their wartime experiences with the mundane realities of everyday life, facing the concept of “bitter safety,” where the security of home feels hollow and unfulfilling compared to the intensity of battle—even worse: soldiers return to a world that seems indifferent to their sacrifices and struggles. Drawing parallels between past and present experiences of soldiers, Junger reflects on the historical context of warfare, and by emphasizing the importance of understanding and empathy, In Bitter Safety! Awake advocates for a more supportive environment for veterans, encouraging open dialogue about their experiences.

The theme of alienation experienced by soldiers returning from combat, likening their feelings to being on a distant planet, is examined in Calling Home from Mars. This chapter captures the disorientation and emotional distance that veterans often feel when reintegrating into civilian life, where the realities of war seem incomprehensible to those who have not experienced it. (Those of us who are family members of war veterans have witnessed, through their words, that their perspective on the world, life, fellowship, and even their country is far removed from what modern society aspires to—and even further from what society expects of them. Whether their actions ended in defeat or victory makes no difference: they still long for those moments, even the ones when they saw their friends fall and die.) Junger emphasizes here the importance of shared experiences and understanding, as veterans grapple with the psychological scars of war, including PTSD. Calling Home from Mars also critiques societal norms that often overlook the struggles of returning soldiers, highlighting the need for greater awareness and support.

Junger suggests that the sense of belonging and necessity found in tribal life can be profoundly therapeutic, offering individuals a way to cope with trauma and adversity. Despite living more comfortably, being better educated, and having more basic needs met, there is an instinctive call in the hearts of men to lead deeply meaningful lives, where sacrifice becomes an ideal that is not so ethereal (it is not necessary to go to war to accomplish heroic deeds, although war is the setting where the experience of such feats is most dramatic). Men seek transcendence through heroic deeds as a means of proving their worth and establishing a deep connection with their community—a connection of true caring and primal bonds. Engaging in acts of bravery and sacrifice allows individuals to transcend their personal limitations and achieve a sense of purpose that is often lacking in modern life. These heroic gestures are not merely about individual glory; they are fundamentally tied to the well-being and honor of the tribe or community. Such acts of heroism create bonds among men, fostering a sense of brotherhood and shared identity. In the context of war or conflict, these deeds become a way for men to demonstrate their loyalty and commitment to their comrades and their shared cause—a belief or even a country. The struggle and the risks taken in these moments serve to elevate their status within the group, as they embody the values of courage, sacrifice, and resilience.

The pursuit of transcendence through heroism is a response to the alienation and disconnection prevalent in modern society. By engaging in meaningful and challenging endeavors—even through the performance of small acts that may seem insignificant in the immense web of the world’s destiny, but which, in the microcosm of the context, can be the variable that changes the outcome of events—men can find a sense of belonging and significance that transcends the mundane aspects of everyday life. Junger views these heroic acts as essential for personal fulfillment and for reinforcing the social fabric of the community.

It seems somewhat counterproductive that in a world where unity and fraternity are promoted in the discourse, the atomization of the social fabric resulting from welfare ends up isolating today more than ever those who felt and feel the call of the tribe. Advocating for a return to some of the principles of tribal living, such as mutual support and shared responsibility, as a means to address the emotional and psychological challenges faced by individuals in modern society, Junger sees the tribe as a vital source of strength and resilience in the human experience.

The nostalgia for hard times may serve as a guide on the path back home, and to our own human nature.