Comment by roody15
2 hours ago
Exactly live in rural Midwest. Most vehicles and houses are left unlocked 24 / 7. If you forget you wallet you can still buy things and just come back later to pay. Don’t get me wrong lots of problems in the rural parts but something about how people relate does feel more human or natural IMO.
Isn’t that a function of density? The denser the place, the more random chance someone wrong would pass by?
Doesn't this just support the AI's takes of how tribal humans are? Many of the examples in these threads are about small homogenous communities where it's easy to trust someone very similar to yourself.
How does that apply to the above story about a pilgrimage though? My experience in the way of St. James is very similar, the vast majority of people will not walk that road ever again in their lives and I saw plenty of people from all around Europe, even a few Americans.
It does seem to apply to rural areas specifically though.
I would say decency arises as a function of culture, so it depends on the value system that generates.
There’s something tribal-ish to it, but also something philosophical. You can also belong to a culture which makes this kind of trust or goodwill far more limited, for instance only between family members—you’re just as culturally homogenous but not nearly so kind to strangers.
The same communities are frequently the most racist, xenophobic and homophobic. The dark side of the tribal mindset I guess.