May 14, 2024

Unite & conquer? Why disagreement is natural

By Matt Lehrman

Social Prosperity Partners


From campus protests to epic rapper beefs, we all know conflict drives headlines. But it’s pointless to criticize “the mainstream media” for a reality that’s equally true in alternative media and our own social media feeds, not to mention every bestselling novel and blockbuster movie ever.


Conflict is the heart of all stories, and that’s why one of the founding principles of Social Prosperity Partners is this simple statement: Conflict isn’t only natural, it’s necessary.


When I say conflict is natural, I don’t just mean it casually, as in, “Naturally, not everyone in the family loves musical theater (or football, or Star Trek)”. I’m talking about something more fundamental. Not just science fiction, but science.

Unite & conquer? Why disagreement is natural.

In his 2012 bestseller The Social Conquest of Earth, biologist Edward O. Wilson compares cooperation among insects versus mammals, particularly humans. At every level from micro to macro, from the individual to the global, success is determined by the dynamic push-and-pull of competition and cooperation.


Wilson writes that an “iron rule” in evolution is that “selfish individuals beat altruistic individuals, while groups of altruists beat groups of selfish individuals.” However, he adds, “The victory can never be complete; the balance of selection pressures cannot move to either extreme. If individual selection were to dominate, societies would dissolve. If group selection were to dominate, human groups would come to resemble ant colonies.”


When I first read these words, I felt inspired because they helped me understand in a deeper way that conflict, or disagreement, is fundamental not simply as a problem to solve — though sometimes it’s that, too — but as an essential mechanism for learning and advancement.


So, conflict isn’t a hurdle to be avoided, but rather a natural and necessary occurrence that can be anticipated and channeled into a productive catalyst for growth. 


Unite & conquer? Why disagreement is natural.

 NEW EPISODE — “ADVOCATE’S DILEMMA” (May 14, 2024)

Signe Friedrichs, former Herndon (Virginia) Town Council Member, reflects on her 2022 re-election loss and balancing the passion to drive change with the weight of responsible governance for an entire community.



Listen on Apple, Spotify and all podcast platforms

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN


“FUTURE IN FOCUS” (May 7, 2024)

“CIVIC STRATEGIES REVISITED” (April 30, 2024)

“BUILDING COMMUNITY WITH AUTHENTICITY” (April 23, 2024)

NEXT LOCAL LEADERSHIP CHAT: FRIDAY, JUNE 7


“Shaping Tomorrow”: What challenges and opportunities do you see right now that could make a lasting impact in your community or organization? Join civic leaders from across the country to discuss priorities and strategies for building resilience and prosperity in the future.


RSVP HERE to attend this free & friendly online discussion. Local Leadership Chats are facilitated by Matt Lehrman on the first Friday of every month.

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