“Instinctively we divide mankind into friends and foes – friends, towards whom we have the morality of co-operation; foes, towards whom we have that of competition. But this division is constantly changing; at one moment a man hates his business competitor, at another, when both are threatened by Socialism or by an external enemy, he suddenly begins to view him as a brother. … In times of safety we can afford to hate our neighbour, but in times of danger we must love him. ” (Page 38, Bertrand Russell, Authority and the Individual)
In chapter One of Bertrand Russell’s “Authority and the Individual”, he argues that it is human nature for civilizations to divide into necessary alliances while also maintaining enemies. Russell discusses that mankind initially started these groups through the function of family, and a loyalty derived from necessity to survive. Russell argues that friendship would span from this only because hunting is more effective as a cooperative effort. Russell continues to say that the presence of an outlying enemy would strengthen the bonds within the opposing groups. Russell makes many compelling arguments, but I feel that society and the individual have developed to the point that friendship is not out of necessity of survival and strength but to avoid loneliness and enhance happiness in one’s life. A life with friendship is a more full and enjoyable one. I also believe sometimes we can be our own enemies and that this “enemy” doesn’t have to be an outside force. Community, Family, and Friendship are necessary regardless of enemies and have benefits far beyond convenience.
Meirav Weintraub