Might I add Dunbar’s number to this? Large powerful groups have a tendency to split (especially hunter-gatherer ones). And once they split, they often become each other’s enemies. Oftentimes, it’s better for the individual to be the underdog when the underdog is a group that is less likely to split.
Alternatively, let’s ponder this situation: you’re part of a group, a single one of many possible groups. Your group has interests in supporting the weaker groups if your group wishes to survive (of course you may be okay with having your group absorbed into another group—but remember—in hunter gatherer days, it was often difficult to be absorbed in another group with an entirely different culture from yours).
This, incidentally, reminds me a lot of the scene in Romance of Three Kingdoms where the minor warlord Zhang Xiu was wondering whether to join Cao Cao (the underdog) or Yuan Shao. His brilliant adviser told him to join Cao Cao, who ultimately toppled Yuan Shao.
This, incidentally, reminds me a lot of the scene in Romance of Three Kingdoms where the minor warlord Zhang Xiu was wondering whether to join Cao Cao (the underdog) or Yuan Shao. His brilliant adviser told him to join Cao Cao, who ultimately toppled Yuan Shao.
Yes, I think this is exactly the sort of truel situation that is talked about elsewhere.
Might I add Dunbar’s number to this? Large powerful groups have a tendency to split (especially hunter-gatherer ones). And once they split, they often become each other’s enemies. Oftentimes, it’s better for the individual to be the underdog when the underdog is a group that is less likely to split.
Alternatively, let’s ponder this situation: you’re part of a group, a single one of many possible groups. Your group has interests in supporting the weaker groups if your group wishes to survive (of course you may be okay with having your group absorbed into another group—but remember—in hunter gatherer days, it was often difficult to be absorbed in another group with an entirely different culture from yours).
This, incidentally, reminds me a lot of the scene in Romance of Three Kingdoms where the minor warlord Zhang Xiu was wondering whether to join Cao Cao (the underdog) or Yuan Shao. His brilliant adviser told him to join Cao Cao, who ultimately toppled Yuan Shao.
Yes, I think this is exactly the sort of truel situation that is talked about elsewhere.