Single Idea 20663

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / A. Basis of a State / 1. A People / c. A unified people]

Full Idea

Sociological research has shown that the maximum 'natural' size of a group bound by gossip is about 150 individuals.

Gist of Idea

If a group is bound by gossip, the natural size is 150 people

Source

Yuval Noah Harari (Sapiens: brief history of humankind [2014], 02 'Legend')

Book Reference

Harari,Yuval Noah: 'Sapiens: a brief history of Humankind' [Vintage 2014], p.29


A Reaction

On the other hand, most of us can learn the names of a group of about 450. Maybe the 'known' group and the 'gossip' group are equally significant. Not much use for a modern state, but of interest to communitarians.