In a recent LinkedIn post, Brené Brown discusses profound insights gained from anthropologist Aaron Sandel’s research on the Ngogo chimpanzee community. Brown highlights Sandel’s decade-long study, which observed the dramatic split of one of the largest known chimpanzee communities into two distinct factions. The post serves as a preview and endorsement of an episode of “The Curiosity Shop With Brené Brown and Adam Grant,” featuring Sandel.
Brown frames the discussion around what these chimpanzees can teach humans about fundamental aspects of social dynamics, including friendship, conflict, belonging, and the very nature of humanity. She emphasizes Sandel’s unique perspective, having witnessed firsthand the complexities of chimpanzee social structures.
“Aaron helps Adam and I understand what chimpanzees can teach us about friendship, conflict, belonging, and human nature.”
Navigating Social Bonds and Division
Brené Brown relays Sandel’s observations on how chimpanzees exhibit affection, navigate intricate dominance hierarchies, and grapple with the consequences of internal division. The anthropologist’s work, as presented by Brown, delves into the surprising depth of bonds within the Ngogo community, even amidst significant fragmentation.
Witnessing Factionalism
A particularly poignant aspect of Sandel’s research, highlighted by Brown, is the emotional toll of observing close relationships fracture. Brown shares Sandel’s reflections on the difficult experience of watching individual chimpanzees, whom he knew personally, turn against one another.
“Aaron also reflects on what it was like to watch chimps he knew by name turn against one another, while exploring the surprising depth of bonds in this community.”
According to Brené Brown, Sandel’s work provides a unique lens through which to examine the universal challenges of maintaining community and the pain that arises when divisions occur. The research underscores the complex interplay between social cohesion and conflict, even in non-human primate societies.
The Enduring Nature of Affection and Belonging
Despite the observations of conflict and division, Brown emphasizes that Sandel’s study also reveals the resilience of affection and the deep-seated need for belonging within the chimpanzee community. The insights suggest that even in the face of significant social upheaval, the core elements of social connection remain potent.
“He shares what he learned from watching these chimps show affection, navigate dominance hierarchies, and face the effects of division within their own community.”
Brené Brown expresses her own eagerness to delve deeper into these findings, indicating her intention to attend Sandel’s classes at UT Austin. This personal note underscores the significant impact of Sandel’s research and Brown’s commitment to understanding these complex social dynamics.
Further Exploration
The full discussion between Brené Brown, Adam Grant, and Aaron Sandel is available on YouTube and various podcast platforms. Brown encourages her audience to engage with the content, suggesting it offers valuable perspectives for understanding human behavior through the lens of chimpanzee social structures.
“If you’re trying to find me this semester, I’ll be the one sneaking into Aaron’s class at UT Austin! I have so many more questions!”
As Brené Brown notes, the study of the Ngogo chimpanzees offers a compelling case study for examining the dynamics of friendship, the inevitability of conflict, the fundamental human need for belonging, and the multifaceted nature of our own species. The insights drawn from primate behavior provide a unique, albeit sometimes challenging, mirror to our own social worlds.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Brené Brown on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on September 8, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →