They say that adversity brings people together. But is that really true? Anyone who has experienced how people react in stressful situations knows that some stick together, others fight tooth and nail just for themselves. And somewhere in between lies the reality.
The question arises particularly in crisis prevention: Is it the community or your own ego that counts? Who is better prepared - the loner who is not dependent on anyone, or the group that supports each other?
Why this question is so important
Prepping means more than stacking cans of food. It is also a question of attitude. Whether during a power outage, a natural disaster or a social emergency, people's behavior determines how well they get through.
Two poles collide here:
- Ego - the „I can do it alone“ principle. Control, independence, freedom.
- Community - the „We stick together“ principle. Cooperation, division of labor, safety in numbers.
Both have advantages. Both harbor risks.
The ego - strong, independent, but vulnerable
Many preppers like to think of themselves as lone fighters. Self-sufficient, unwavering, with clear supplies and structures. And indeed: the ego principle has clear strengths.
Advantages of going it alone
- Independence - No discussions, no votes.
- Quick decisions - act without hesitation.
- Discretion - It is easier to remain inconspicuous when you are alone.
But there are also downsides:
- An injured person without help is at great risk.
- A lack of variety or comfort wears down the psyche.
- Limits of resilience: Nobody can cook, secure, repair and watch at the same time.
The community - strength through collaboration
Where the individual reaches its limits, the strength of the group begins. People are social beings, and it is precisely in times of need that we see how valuable community can be.
Advantages of the group
- Division of laborOne takes care of water, one takes care of food, one takes care of guard duty.
- DiversityDifferent skills complement each other.
- Mental stabilityCohesion provides support and reduces fear.
- DeterrenceGroups are more difficult to attack or exploit.
Of course, the community also has its weaknesses:
- Conflicts over decisions.
- Different values or priorities.
- Danger of „free riders“ who only take but give nothing.
Table: Ego vs. community in comparison
| Aspect | Ego (solo) | Community (Group) |
| Security | Inconspicuous, but vulnerable | Protection through size, risk of internal conflicts |
| Flexibility | quick decisions | slower, as coordination is necessary |
| Resources | limited to own ability | Broad skills and inventories |
| Psyche | Danger of loneliness | Support through cohesion |
| Discretion | high | lower, as several insiders |
Cooperation: not a sure-fire success
A community does not simply come into being because several people come together. Collaboration needs to be learned, practiced and cultivated.
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Typical stumbling blocks
- Questions of powerWho decides in case of doubt?
- Unequal contributionsWhat to do when one person has a lot and another has little?
- Trust: How do you deal with mistrust or secrecy?
- Communication: Without clear language, misunderstandings arise.
Ways to make cooperation work
A good group is built on clear rules and mutual trust.
List: Steps towards stable cooperation
- Distribute rolesEveryone has tasks according to their strengths.
- Set rulesDecision-making processes, resource allocation, conflict resolution.
- PracticeJoint rehearsals or exercises to consolidate procedures.
- Open communication: Address problems early on.
- Respect boundariesEveryone also needs retreat and personal responsibility.
Community on a small scale - neighborhood as a resource
Sometimes we think too big. Community doesn't have to be an organized prepper group. It can be the neighborhood that comes together during a power outage to share candles or cook food together.
One example: During the winter storm „Kyrill“ in the 2000s, entire streets in some regions were left without electricity. In some villages, people met up in the evening at a family home with a fireplace, cooked together and kept each other warm. This is exactly how functioning communities are created - spontaneous, practical, human.
The psychological factor: trust and ego
Ego and community are not absolute opposites. There are ego parts in every group - and a need for community lies dormant in every lone fighter. The trick is to find a balance.
- Too much ego destroys the group.
- Too much community pressure crushes the individual.
Just like in an orchestra: everyone plays their own instrument, but music can only be created together.
Personal interjection
I remember a prolonged power cut in my town. At first I thought: „No problem, I've got everything ready.“ But after a few hours, I realized how happy I was that the neighbors had come together. One had a gas stove, I brought tea, someone else brought candles. We could all have managed on our own - but together it was easier, more pleasant and somehow... more human.
Practical tips for your own balance
- Strengthen ego: Make sure that you can manage on your own for a certain amount of time.
- Build a communityFind people you trust - neighbors, friends, family.
- Caution with information: Be selective about who you show your supplies or plans to.
- Practicing cooperationOrganize small neighbourhood exercises, e.g. joint blackout rehearsals.
- Stay flexibleSometimes restraint is necessary, sometimes cooperation.
Conclusion: It's all in the mix
Community or ego? The honest answer is: Both.
Solid crisis preparedness requires the backbone of self-reliance - the ability to cope on our own to a certain extent. But just as important is the community network that supports us when the burden becomes too great.
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Because in the end, it's not just cans and candles that count. It's the people around us - and the decision as to whether we build walls or bridges with them.
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