Shared enmity of a common ruler strongly binds groups together
Evidence
In general, common enmity is one of the most powerful means for motivating a number of individuals or groups to cling together. This common enmity is intensified if the common adversary is at the same time the common ruler. In a latent, certainly not in an overt and effective, form, this combination probably occurs everywhere: in some measure, in some respect, the ruler is almost always an adversary. — Georg Simmel, on individuality and social forms_…, 333
Categorization
- XREF: Generalizes the out-group/in-group dynamic relevant to the essay’s argument that public-space categorization depends on who is perceived as common adversary. — connects to: Unequal distance to a common head rigidly differentiates subordinates — Georg Simmel, on individuality and social forms_…, 332; Sharing a beloved superordinate turns co-subjects into intensified mutual enemies via jealousy — Georg Simmel, on individuality and social forms_…, 337; The most unconditional conflicts rest on the strictest shared norms — Georg Simmel, on individuality and social forms_…, 304 (+5 more)
Related
- Shared hatred of a common enemy powerfully binds people together. (similarity 0.84)
- Governing corrodes the group cohesion that enabled a group to rule (similarity 0.84)
- The two groups were so linked that naming one conjured the other (similarity 0.83)
- Sharing a beloved superordinate turns co-subjects into intensified mutual enemies via jealousy (similarity 0.82)
- Rulers administer enjoyment to subjects until it is extinguished in fixed entertainments (similarity 0.81)
- The most unconditional conflicts rest on the strictest shared norms (similarity 0.80)
Broader Connections
- Sharing a beloved superordinate turns co-subjects into intensified mutual enemies via jealousy
#contradicts(0.80) — Georg Simmel, on individuality and social forms_…, 337 - Unequal distance to a common head rigidly differentiates subordinates
#contradicts(0.70) — Georg Simmel, on individuality and social forms_…, 332