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William Green's avatar

Thanks, Luke. Yes, stepping outside the circle is a way of testing whether the belonging is real—or, as Groucho put it, deciding if you want to belong to any club that would have you as a member. !

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Janice LeCocq's avatar

I chose exile over 40 years ago…

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Luke Burgis's avatar

I’m sorry

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Peggy O'Flaherty's avatar

Wow, no idea who shared your newsletter with me. I resonated 100% with your message. I built Vinly for people who want to rebuild their tribe. Thank you.

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William Green's avatar

Another thought after my first reply: Considering Luke's full perspective, this caveat may not be necessary. But the point is critical: we depend on the tribe not to be tribal. Desire is mimetic, formed in relation to others, and the first step is self-awareness. What we resist persists, especially in denial. Even the most solitary monk depends on the Church—his solitude only makes sense in relation to it. Opposites are often complementary. Staying conscious of that much can at least spare us from mindless co-option.

Of course, Luke knows this, although it is not part of this post. I simply find it important to keep in mind when criticizing others for group-think and being too silo-bound, "tribal." I am complicit in what I deplore. - Thanks, Luke, for another engaging post!

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