I finished Sebastian Junger's book War last night. The book covers one of the bloodiest theaters of America's campaign in Afghanistan, the remote and treacherous Korengal Valley, focused on the experience of the American soldiers who fought there. Junger also co-directed the movie Restrepo, based on the same stint of embedded reporting. (I watched Restrepo while pregnant, a combination I do not recommend!)

Anyway, Junger theorizes that heroism — willingness to die for another member of your tribe — could only evolve once humans developed language, and thus the ability to convey reputations throughout the community, beyond the people who witnessed an act in person. At that point, risking your life for someone else has a possible payoff: if you both survive, the hero wins appropriate accolades (respect —> access to resources, mates, etc.) far beyond what the typical warrior can earn. Interesting idea. Not sure whether I buy it, but interesting.

internet rabbit • comms @ /splits • https://www.sonyasupposedly.com/

heroism as a conduit to reputation boosting is very interesting