Questions:

1) According to the author, tribalism “had taken refined forms”. How do you understand its “refined forms”?

Tribalism originally refers to behavior and attitudes that are based on strong loyalty to a tribe. Here, its refined forms are modern regionalism, racism, and nationalism.

2) What is the “specific” need?

The author is referring to the need of tourists.

3) List out some aspects of the old education that emphasized the differences among nations.

4) How do you understand “the great compression”?

The so-called “global village”.

5) What does “forms and colors and ordered sounds” refer to?

Literature, architecture, art and music.

6) Why does the author say that the conditions of human existence are dangerously balanced?

The author is referring to the fact that human conditions are very delicate. We must have water and oxygen for survival. Too much or too little of these things would cause a disaster. These things should be well balanced.

Further Discussion

1) What do geography, anthropology and many other courses usually tell us about the differences between races and nations?

2) Are they important according to the author?

3) How should we be re-educated to adapt to the new world according to the author?

4) In which aspects does the author base his arguments? Elaborate each point.

5) Do you agree that tribalism is standing in our way to progress today?