One of Russell’s most intriguing arguments is that despite the advancing of society and growing number of variables that affect the average human’s life, we still rely on our instincts to differentiate between friend and foe. We don’t have any reason to be friendly with our neighbors until threatened by a common enemy that requires cohesion to overcome. Although his argument is rather broad and simplistic in description, there’s evidence all throughout history as well as in our daily lives that supports this argument. Countries that once had no reason to become allies are united by common foes, resulting in powerful alliances. Or even two students both lost at a new college become friends trying to locate their next class.
“Always when we pass beyond the limits of the family it is the external enemy which supplies the cohesive force. In times of safety we can afford to hate our neighbor, but in times of danger we must love him. People do not, at most times, love those whom they find sitting next to them in a bus, but during the blitz they did”(Russell 7).
Matthew Epstein
I agree with Matthew’s post. It is human instinct to divide people up and shift to one group. People feel comfortable in a group where they can relate and identify themselves as one. It is the reason why there are nations because nationality is something people define themselves. People who are American can easily make friends with people from the same place or neighboring countries or countries that have been allies. This isn’t just for countries, it works for all organizations or groups out there. Similarities make it easier for people to become friends and difference divided people. Russell brings up the essential need of a family and a competition. Humans need foes and enemies or they find themselves in a boring life as a “well-behaved citizen”.