This quote suggests that humans, much like animals that move in herds, are still driven by a collective sense of identity and belonging. The flag here represents any symbol that groups of people rally around as a shared emblem of identity, whether that be a national flag, a sports team’s logo, a religious icon, or any other symbol that represents a collective.

The quote implies that despite our individuality and personal freedoms, we still have an inherent need to belong to a group or a community. This need to belong can be traced back to our evolutionary history when survival was dependent on being part of a group. The flag, or any shared symbol, serves as a rallying point, a physical manifestation of this collective identity, and an affirmation of our shared values, beliefs, and experiences.

Applying this idea to today’s world, we can see how social media platforms, political parties, and even brand loyalty can function as modern-day ‘flags’. They provide us with a sense of belonging and help define our identities. For example, the clothes we wear, the music we listen to, the sports teams we support, or the political causes we stand for, all serve as flags that signal our identity to others and help us find our ‘herd’.

In terms of personal development, understanding this concept can help us navigate our social world more effectively. Recognizing our inherent need to belong can help us make conscious choices about the groups we align ourselves with and the values we stand for. It can also help us understand others better, fostering empathy and tolerance. Furthermore, it can encourage us to question if we are following a ‘flag’ blindly as part of the herd or if we are making conscious, individual choices that align with our personal values and beliefs.