Friday, 10 Oct 2025
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • DMCA
logo logo
  • World
  • Politics
  • Crime
  • Economy
  • Tech & Science
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
  • More
    • Education
    • Celebrities
    • Culture and Arts
    • Environment
    • Health and Wellness
    • Lifestyle
  • 🔥
  • Trump
  • VIDEO
  • House
  • White
  • ScienceAlert
  • Trumps
  • Watch
  • man
  • Health
  • Season
Font ResizerAa
American FocusAmerican Focus
Search
  • World
  • Politics
  • Crime
  • Economy
  • Tech & Science
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
  • More
    • Education
    • Celebrities
    • Culture and Arts
    • Environment
    • Health and Wellness
    • Lifestyle
Follow US
© 2024 americanfocus.online – All Rights Reserved.
American Focus > Blog > Economy > Monkeys, Marines, and Manners – Econlib
Economy

Monkeys, Marines, and Manners – Econlib

Last updated: September 4, 2024 8:12 am
Share
Monkeys, Marines, and Manners – Econlib
SHARE

In a recent conversation with my spouse, I found myself reflecting on my time in the Marine Corps and the unique way in which Marines interact with each other. My wife, often taken aback by the stories of insults and roughhousing among Marines, questioned why we were always so harsh towards one another. My immediate response? “For the same reason monkeys poke each other in the eyes.”

This seemingly cryptic explanation stems from a book I had recently read titled “Games Primates Play: An Undercover Investigation of the Evolution and Economics of Human Relationships.” The book delves into the social behaviors of primates and how they mirror human interactions. One common behavior among primates is loyalty signaling through the infliction of minor harms. By allowing another monkey to prod or poke vulnerable areas without causing harm, trust and alliance are built. This concept of signaling trust through controlled harm was evident in Marine culture as well.

In the Marines, insults and rough play were not signs of animosity, but rather signals of camaraderie and trust. The unspoken agreement was that one could insult or engage in physical roughhousing with a fellow Marine, knowing that it was all in good fun. This behavior, while extreme in the military, follows a similar pattern seen in friendships outside of the military. As relationships deepen, teasing, joking, and pranking become ways to signal closeness and trust.

However, these forms of friendly antagonism also serve a vital purpose in building social cohesion, especially in high-pressure environments like the military. The ability to let down walls and engage in playful banter creates a bond that is crucial for survival in life-and-death situations. This bonding process, while seemingly harsh to outsiders, is essential for fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie among individuals.

See also  White House moves to overturn ruling that Trump’s tariffs are illegal

Despite efforts to promote a kinder and gentler form of social interaction, the deeply ingrained nature of these behaviors in our evolutionary psychology suggests that they serve a crucial purpose in building and maintaining social bonds. Attempts to suppress or eliminate mildly antagonistic forms of friendship signaling may actually weaken the fabric of social cohesion rather than strengthen it.

In conclusion, the unique way in which Marines interact with each other, characterized by insults, rough play, and practical jokes, serves a deeper purpose beyond mere amusement. It is a form of signaling trust, camaraderie, and unity that is essential for navigating the challenges of military life. This behavior, rooted in our evolutionary past, highlights the importance of understanding the role of friendly antagonism in building strong social bonds.

TAGGED:EconlibMannersMarinesMonkeys
Share This Article
Twitter Email Copy Link Print
Previous Article The Color, Symbolism, & Meaning of a Ruby The Color, Symbolism, & Meaning of a Ruby
Next Article Ken Griffin’s Wellington hedge fund ekes out 1% gain in August Ken Griffin’s Wellington hedge fund ekes out 1% gain in August
Leave a comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Popular Posts

The Weather Channel to Launch ‘Rocky Mountain Wreckers’ Docuseries

The Weather Channel is gearing up for the premiere of the highly anticipated docuseries "Rocky…

April 10, 2025

Dolly Parton Gives Upbeat Chat After Her Husband’s Death

Dolly Parton Opens Up About Her Fearlessness and Southern Roots Country music legend Dolly Parton,…

April 9, 2025

A Visual History of Giorgio Baldi

Giorgio Baldi: The Iconic Celebrity Hotspot by the Sea For over three decades, Giorgio Baldi…

July 20, 2025

Hailey Bieber Has Perfected Her Transeasonal Uniform

Hailey Bieber's Effortless Parisian Style: A Fashion Overview After transitioning from the glamorous nights of…

October 2, 2025

Silicon Valley Humanists – Econlib

… the road ahead necessitates a reconciliation of our dedication to free-market principles, which often…

April 7, 2025

You Might Also Like

This Analyst Just Hiked Their UnitedHealth Stock Price Target by 50%. Should You Buy UNH Now?
Economy

This Analyst Just Hiked Their UnitedHealth Stock Price Target by 50%. Should You Buy UNH Now?

October 10, 2025
Why Is Wolfspeed Stock Soaring Today?
Economy

Why Is Wolfspeed Stock Soaring Today?

October 10, 2025
When Godzilla Breaks Windows
Economy

When Godzilla Breaks Windows

October 10, 2025
Peter Schiff Describes Bitcoin’s Jump Over 6,000 As ‘Bear Market Rally’: ‘Too Early For Bitcoiners To Get Excited…’
Economy

Peter Schiff Describes Bitcoin’s Jump Over $126,000 As ‘Bear Market Rally’: ‘Too Early For Bitcoiners To Get Excited…’

October 10, 2025
logo logo
Facebook Twitter Youtube

About US


Explore global affairs, political insights, and linguistic origins. Stay informed with our comprehensive coverage of world news, politics, and Lifestyle.

Top Categories
  • Crime
  • Environment
  • Sports
  • Tech and Science
Usefull Links
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • DMCA

© 2024 americanfocus.online –  All Rights Reserved.

Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?