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Tribalism dominates our politics. People are quick to condemn the other side and to laud their own. But is it really true that only one side has a monopoly on wisdom and virtue?


I don't think so. 


Neither does Jonathan Haidt, author of The Righteous Mind. In this important book, Haidt explains why and how human nature is behind the misperceptions that drive tribalism. There are several key themes. 


First, Haidt explains that, “The human mind is a story processor, not a logic processor.�� Humans take discrete pieces of evidence and data and construct coherent stories with them. In the process, we fill in the blanks with our own prejudices and preexisting beliefs. 


These false narratives can range from subtle misperceptions to outrageous conspiracies. They are very common with people of all political stripes. 


And second, morality drives many political battles. According to Haidt, “Morality binds and blinds. It binds us into ideological teams that fight each other as though the fate of the world depended on our side winning each battle. It blinds us to the fact that each team is composed of good people who have something important to say.”��


If you stay calm and listen to the other side you can often learn something. They aren't all as bad as their worst elements. Nor is your tribe as universally virtuous as it feels. 


Haidt is right: the human mind is a righteous machine. It isn't engineered to think rationally. To do so requires effort and a strong desire to be accurate rather than just another loyal member of your tribe.

As the presidential election heats up and the tribal fervor intensifies, this book is as relevant now as ever.