The Human Zoo

Morris argues that many of the social instabilities we face are largely a product of the artificial, impersonal confines of our urban surroundings. Indeed, our behavior often startlingly resembles that of captive animals, and our developed and urbane environment seems not so much a concrete jungle as it does a human zoo.

on HN, 2016

Animals do not normally exhibit stress, random violence, and erratic behavioruntil they are confined. Similarly, the human propensity toward antisocial and sociopathic behavior is intensified in todays cities.

on HN, 2016

Morris argues that we are biologically still tribal and ill-equipped to thrive in the impersonal urban sprawl.

on HN, 2016

In this one he draws parallels between the city-dwelling human and the caged animal.

on HN, 2017

This sort of perspective gives you self-awareness about your own tribalism and how we as a species deal with the opposing forces of individuality and longing to belong to a group.

on HN, 2017