Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging by Sebastian Junger is a thought-provoking exploration of the human need for connection, community, and purpose. Through anthropology, psychology, and history, Junger examines why modern society—with all its luxuries and individual freedoms—often leaves people feeling isolated, lonely, and dissatisfied. Drawing from experiences with soldiers in war zones, the dynamics of indigenous societies, and the way communities respond to disasters, Junger demonstrates how adversity and shared struggle bind people together, while the comforts of modernity can drive us apart123.
Humans are wired for tribal life: For most of human history, people lived in small, close-knit communities, or "tribes." These tribes emphasized egalitarianism, mutual dependence, and highly meaningful social bonds. In tribal societies, everyone’s contribution was valued, and there were few disparities in status or wealth. Social status was earned through acts that benefited the group, such as hunting or defending the community, rather than inherited privilege145.
Modern alienation: The shift to complex, hierarchical, and individualistic societies has left many feeling cut off from these essential, ancient forms of connection. Junger notes that colonial settlers often “ran off to join the Indians,” attracted by the tribal lifestyle, while Native Americans rarely fled to join European society—a pattern Benjamin Franklin also observed with confusion and concern4.
Crisis breeds unity: Junger highlights that times of danger, disaster, or war often spark a deep sense of collective purpose and social cohesion. Whether during wars, natural disasters, or other crises, people work together, form strong emotional bonds, and often remember these difficult times with nostalgia—not because of the hardship itself, but due to the profound sense of belonging and meaning that arises from working toward a common goal162.
The paradox of happiness in hardship: The book discusses how, paradoxically, people sometimes find more happiness, purpose, and psychological well-being in such trying circumstances versus the safety and abundance of modern society. For example, he notes that soldiers often report missing the war after returning home, not because they miss combat, but because they miss the camaraderie, sense of purpose, and reliance on each other that war demands27.
Affluence and mental health: Junger observes that increased wealth and technological convenience do not necessarily improve happiness or well-being. Clinical depression and suicide rates frequently rise as societies grow richer and more individualistic, suggesting that material comfort cannot replace deep community bonds68.
Epidemic of loneliness: He suggests that modern society's focus on personal achievement and individual success often leads to alienation, disconnection, and even psychological distress—especially among those who lack meaningful social roles or connections within their “tribe”59.
The veteran’s dilemma: A major focus of the book is the struggle military veterans face after serving in tightly-knit groups in combat. Many veterans find themselves longing not for war itself, but for the powerful bonds and communal purpose experienced within their military “tribes.” The challenges of reintegrating into a society that often lacks these qualities can lead to feelings of isolation, depression, and post-traumatic stress23.
Society’s failure of belonging: Junger argues that “it’s not so much about what’s wrong with the veterans, but what’s wrong with us”—meaning that the broader society has failed to provide the genuine connection, purpose, and social support that people universally crave3.
Egalitarian principles: Tribal societies typically place great emphasis on equality, shared purpose, and interconnectedness. By looking back at these social structures, Junger suggests we can better understand why current systems often feel unfulfilling and how we might reclaim aspects of the “tribal” way of life to improve mental health and societal well-being34.
Practical takeaways: Junger insists that fostering communal bonds and purpose doesn’t require returning to primordial lifestyles or embracing constant adversity. Instead, by building intentional community, providing meaningful social roles, and recognizing the value of empathy, solidarity, and mutual aid, modern society can recapture much of what has been lost39.
Timeliness: In an era of social fragmentation, loneliness epidemics, and widespread psychological malaise, Tribe offers a powerful diagnosis of what ails modern societies—and points toward a solution rooted in our evolutionary heritage and timeless human needs107.
Psychological insight: The book provides a nuanced perspective on mental health issues, especially among veterans, suggesting that conventional diagnoses might overlook the underlying deprivation of community and purpose210.
Call to action: Rather than simply criticizing contemporary life, Junger’s Tribe encourages readers and policymakers to seek out, create, and nurture institutions and social structures that foster real belonging, shared hardship, and collective meaning. These, he argues, are key ingredients in the recipe for both individual fulfillment and a more resilient, compassionate society310.
Broader resonance: Insights from Tribe apply not only to military life but also to anyone experiencing social alienation; its lessons are relevant for workplaces, neighborhoods, schools, and civil society at large.
Tribe is a concise meditation on belonging, homecoming, and the enduring need for “tribe” in human affairs. By combining personal storytelling with rigorous research, Sebastian Junger clarifies how adversity, solidarity, and shared endeavor hold the key to a healthier and more fulfilling society—and urgently challenges us to reclaim these lost dimensions of life123.