there is a theory that every society on earth has a base emotion driving it. These are envy, anxiety, fear, pride, shame, guilt, and disgust
- envy is petty, negatively equalizing, and values destructiveness
- anxiety is uncertain, nihilistic, and values emptiness
- fear is primal, focused on base-needs, values survival
- pride is masculine, combative, and values honor
- shame is feminine, emphasizes collective duty, and values community stability
- disgust is intolerant, emphasizes adjustments, and values societal norms
- guilt is internal, morally driven, and values the individual
some emotions sever the cohesiveness of the community and weaken it’s collective resolve. Others emotions may be toxic, but necessity for a community’s survival. Guilt is the only one that seeks internal virtue. The US is a guilt driven society. It might not be perfect, but I think that makes the people here pretty special