Interpersonal Intensity, Competition, and Synergy: Determinants of Achievement, Aggression, and Mental Illness

On the basis of his investigations of some aspects of interpersonal bonding in several widely different species and human cultures, the author suggests that high-intensity interpersonal bonding may be a prerequisite for various human behaviors, including cultural achievement, aggression, and mental illness. He further suggests that by increasing the degree of synergy in our society we may be able to reduce aggression and mental illness while maintaining a high level of cultural achievement.