Individual vs Tribe vs Collective and Human Design Circuitry

Individualism, tribalism, and collectivism represent philosophical and cultural perspectives that shape human societies and their interactions. Each of these ideologies influences the way people perceive themselves in relation to others and impacts the dynamics of social, cultural, and political structures.

Sometimes these ideologies clash, and it is my goal to share how the three philosophies are harmonious and congruent in their adherence to the betterment of life for everyone.

In the context of human design, three of the four circuits- which is the way energy moves through the body graph, are named individual, tribal, and collective. The fourth is named integration; I'll go over that in a separate post.

Getting a grasp on these concepts will help you with marketing yourself, communicating with your spouse, and finding peace with current world events.

Individualism as a philosophy emphasizes the importance of individual freedom, autonomy, and self-reliance. It champions the idea that each person should be able to pursue their own goals and aspirations without undue interference from external forces.

Individualistic societies often prioritize personal achievements, self-expression, and independence. These cultures tend to value individual rights, personal responsibility, and the pursuit of individual happiness and success. Examples of individualistic cultures can be found in Western societies such as the United States and parts of Europe.

This philosophy gets the most slack and those who argue against it say that individualism is selfish. It is my belief, supported by Human Design, that individuals are the catalyst for change, they are the agents of mutation and leaders of improvement.

Individual circuitry goes first, sometimes at great sacrifice and always for the collection of data (experience) that the whole can benefit from after. The individual circuit comes with an intuitive sense of how to empower others. It says "I go first, and then you go."

Tribalism, on the other hand, revolves around the idea of strong allegiance and loyalty to one's own family, racial group, or immediate community. It emphasizes the importance of belonging to a close-knit social unit.

Tribal philosophy often involves a strong sense of identity and solidarity with one's own cultural, ethnic, or social norms. It can be possessive of individuals and is focused on survival needs and the equilibrium of resources.

Such a high value on security, shared customs, and traditions, fosters a sense of unity and collective purpose among members. Tribalism can create strong social bonds, but it can also lead to insularity and conflict with other groups perceived as outsiders.

Support is the keynote for tribal circuitry in Human Design. Here the tribe is all about the bargain; its mechanics rely on deals and trust.

The tribe says "you can lean on me, if I can lean on you." This instinctual survival awareness has ensured humanity's survival over history. It affords protection for the individual, as long as the bargain is upheld.

Collectivism promotes the idea that several groups of entities or tribes, can and should cooperate. It emphasizes the importance of cooperation, collaboration, and the well-being of the community as a whole.

The collective assumes precedence over individual and tribal desires or needs. The collective requires uniformity and harmony, it doesn't trust the Individual or the Tribe.

Collectivist culture prioritizes inter-group harmony, social cohesion, and the common good, often valuing consensus-building and mutual support among members. Collectivist culture typically emphasizes shared responsibility and a sense of interconnectedness among groups, fostering a strong sense of social solidarity and interdependence.

Examples of collectivist cultures can be found in many Asian countries, such as Japan and South Korea, where the emphasis is often on the harmony of the group rather than individual aspirations. Institutions are another example of collectivist culture, they offer a commonality for people of differing backgrounds to be productive. All commerce relies on collectivist culture to maintain exchange.

Collective circuitry in Human Design is inherently social, objective, impersonal, and not reciprocal. It shares, indiscriminately, what works and what doesn't work. The collective says "this is how things should work."

Most of us have a combination of individual, tribal, and collective circuitry. Someone with a high percentage of individual circuits may face conflict in tribal and collective settings. A chart with mostly collective circuitry may come off as out-of-touch.

Knowing your circuitry can bring awareness to how you perceive roles and responsibilities within social and cultural frameworks. This will improve your ability to navigate and appreciate the diversity of human perspectives and values, making you a better spouse, colleague, and person in general.

Knowing your circuitry can help you attract ideal clients because it gives you a key to the audience you are appealing to.

The intricate interplay between individualism, tribalism, and collectivism illustrates the multifaceted nature of human societies and their diverse cultural and social dynamics. While these ideologies may at times appear to conflict, a deeper examination reveals their underlying harmony and congruence in the pursuit of a better life for all.

Recognizing the unique strengths of each philosophy can profoundly impact various aspects of life, from personal relationships to navigating complex global events. Individualism empowers individuals to be catalysts for positive change, while tribalism fosters a sense of security and belonging within close-knit communities. Collectivism, in turn, prioritizes the well-being of the broader community, emphasizing cooperation and harmony.

Understanding one's own circuitry, whether it leans towards individual, tribal, or collective tendencies, is crucial in comprehending one's role within societal frameworks. This awareness can foster empathy, communication, and a deeper appreciation for the diversity of human experiences and values. By acknowledging the harmonious coexistence of these philosophies, we can strive towards a more inclusive and understanding society, fostering meaningful connections and a greater sense of unity and purpose.