Human aspiration to uniformity
Human aspiration to uniformity, and its need for belonging, cannot be simply categorized by saying “Humans need a place to belong”; nor can it be clarified as a “morality instinct to be part of the herd,” even if that is true to some extent. The real motive for human uniformity is purely influenced by sexual drive and the desire to have the same in order to “get liked by women” or “get liked by men.” This creates a state in which something is considered more attractive. Differences in liking still persist, but one thing is always more likable than another, and proportionally more likable things become described as more attractive: “This beard is attractive on a man.” Then, because of this clarification, tomorrow on the subway every man have the same beard, not because they like that beard, but because they believe having it will make them more attractive to women, so they will get “sex.” When one thing reaches its maximum, novelty becomes more attractive, and the switch happens. This loop continues, which can explain the return of old fashions.
So I’m afraid: you may not like the iPhone, but you like the idea of the status it brings. In the same way, you may not like a luxury car, but it brings status, and you don’t do it because of status itself, you do it to get sex. Unfortunately, a luxury car seems unlikely to reach its maximum novelty, but the iPhone seems like everyone has it now.
This opinion of mine is not intended to counter Nietzsche:
“Morality in man is the herd-instinct in the individual. The individual becomes moral when he obeys the values of the herd, when he conforms to the rules and customs that the majority imposes. Those who are strong, independent, or creative often transgress these rules, because their instincts are their own rather than the herd’s.”
I simply want to highlight the importance of sex in all of this. I would like to hear your opinions.