The Problem with Tribalism in Crypto

TradFi, CeFi, and DeFi Maximalism

Human beings have been organizing themselves into tribes ever since we were hunter-gatherers tens of thousands of years ago.

Tribal membership essentially increased our chances of survival. It meant that we could divide duties pertaining to food, shelter, and warmth. It meant that we could better defend ourselves against threats. It gave us community, identity, and a sense of belonging.

To be ostracized from one’s tribe not only lead to imminent and premature death, but also a loss of identity, and emotional and spiritual devastation.

It meant no longer being seen, being needed, or being loved — three fundamental emotional and spiritual needs, the absence of which can make our lives feel devoid of purpose.

As a 79-year-old Italian-Australian barber told me recently while reflecting on his work and his long-departed friends, “when you have no reason to wake up in the morning, you stop waking up”.

Today’s Tribes

While we like to think of ourselves as having evolved beyond recognition from that of our stone age ancestors, the truth is we are still driven by many of the same needs.