Idiots, Tribal and Citizens

 

The above is differentiated by notable sociologists and public intellectuals. The pioneers who identified and stated these categories were founders of democracy in ancient Greece. Greek people, as we know, contributed to forming the modern civilized world in many ways. Greeks believed: - 

1.The first kind of people is idiots. They are not mentally deficient, but they are those who are totally self-centred. The ‘idiots’ always run for the private gains and personal interest. They have no public philosophy, no knowledge, no skill, no character and no virtue to contribute to  society. Such people always look out for personal pleasure and treasure. They are supported by like-minded politicians, foreign powers and elites of the society for their vested interest. The classic persons you may know but the dead ones include Hitler, Stalin and others. 

2.Tribal people follow tribalistic philosophy, but they do not necessarily belong to that specific tribe or society. Such people cannot think beyond the interest of their small tribe or group. For them, their primary religion is their tribe and tribalism is their god. They generally view everything from their own prism and interpret it in their own way. They are always suspicious and fearful of others. They tend to respond to rest of the people with intimidation, force and violence. The ideal persons for the tribal people are the warriors. The best examples of these people are those in certain fascist-like political parties with cult-like leadership. 

3.The third category is citizens. For ancient Greeks, citizens are those who have the skills and knowledge to live respectable public lives, who know the value of commonwealth as well as their rights and responsibilities towards the society. In other words, they help to form a civilized society. These are people in Denmark, Sweden, Norway or Ireland. 

So, what are we in Malaysia?

  

Reference:

Dr. Kethoser Kevichusa talked about “The Idiot, The Tribes people [Tribalistic mentality], & The Citizen [for a civilized society]”, ERITREANCDM, 24 November 2019