Society is a collective of people that builds systems and institutions to better manage social and economic relationships. Systems managed with integrity generally outperform those that are not, as they foster trust and collaboration when designed to serve the broadest number of people.
The Story of the Clan is a hypothetical, philosophical thought experiment about what might happen if we abandon our social contracts and collective purposes, lowering our moral consciousness.
The Story of the Clan
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| Representing a clan/flying monkeys targeting others and undermining systems for gain. |
The perpetrators are manipulative and exploit the elderly, children, communities, and social networks—using allies as “flying monkeys” to carry out harm. They operate within a wider corrupted network that has harmed others in the past and avoided accountability in closed clan systems.
Race, religion, political beliefs, social connections, and even freedom of speech are twisted into excuses for threats, extreme behaviors, and coordinated aggression. Despite repeated opportunities to confront corruption and protect victims, systemic failure allowed misconduct to continue. Instead of meaningful growth, witnesses, whistleblowers, and victims are targeted to keep them silent.
Lessons and Leadership
What we learn from such a story depends on our perspective, shaped from childhood onward through deeply held assumptions. Some of these values are positive, others negative. Ultimately, each person must ask: Am I inclusive or exclusive in my beliefs? (In general it is best to be optimist and inclusive)
True leaders foster unity and shared purpose. We call this a people indivisible. Corrupted leaders thrive on division and exclusion. One of the greatest risks society faces and one of the weaknesses often exploited. (The lesson here should be to see each other as having inherent value and do your best to make sense of community and create a deep value systems. It is important to develop as many connections as possible so false narratives and hate rumors don't divide).
Philosophical Questions
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Trust and inaction: If officials knew about wrongdoing but failed to act, how would that erode trust? Consider both the general trust that underlies social exchange and the specific trust that institutions will act justly. Correcting wrongdoing helps ensure we don't become complacent.
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Shielding misconduct: What if wrongdoing was intentionally hidden out of fear that exposing it would reveal even greater corruption? Imagine bad actors who know how to manipulate the system so the outcome nearly always favors them—leaving victims and the community behind (That is why it is called corruption as an outcome of waste.).
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Supporting integrity: How can we support good officials who protect communities with integrity while removing extremists and corrupt actors? Honorable service should be respected, but corruption must be rooted out. Wise stewardship does not play “footsie” with the darker elements of human nature. (It is important to have the greatest respect and encourage good officials because they help defend others against bad officials that lack effective checks and balances.).
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Checks and balances: How might appropriate checks, balances, and efforts to repair harm show whether institutions are serving society’s greater good—or failing it? Reflect on the original purpose of these systems and how outcomes may diverge when integrity is lost. The proof is usually in the outcomes. This is why we are going to write a positive ending but it may take a minute.
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Perceptions of corruption: Why do some minimize the impact of corruption and hate while others magnify it? Could it be that some individuals are simply dispised for their race, religion, political beliefs, values, friends, etc.? Consider how narratives—positive and negative—shape perception, while truth often lies somewhere in between. Which side of truth do you want to be on?
Positive Endings: Truth creates efficiency and therefore it leads to higher order thinking. Philosophers often think of truth. There is the technicalities "the game" and the truth "the purpose". No matter which way the story ends there will be a change. A small slight adjustment in how we view things and the importance of taking in a full perspective of problems so we can find solutions.
Closing Reflection
The Story of the Clan is, at its core, a philosophical thought experiment about corruption, hate, and the consequences if short sight thinking supplants long term outcomes. It is meant just to explore ideas and there is no true right or wrong answer. It is the reflective exercise that counts. Feel free to disagree.
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