I believe both these comments hold part of the truth. Famously we can only relate to 100 or so real people, but over millenia we developed culture that helps us

I believe both these comments hold part of the truth. Famously we can only relate to 100 or so real people, but over millenia we developed culture that helps us identify and relate, e.g, to our village, city, company, country etc. All of them virtual entities that help us organize at scale. That process has not stopped. One fascinating development that should be celebrated much more but alas is still subject to nationalistic attacks is the European Union and the concept of "fellow Europeans". Its the first manifestation of super-national identity, built on the ruins of WWII. Another equally fascinating thing are open source communities that span the globe. Large scale collaboration is possible and by all accounts will be necessary for our survival. Unfortunately that cultural process might not be evolving fast enough. From the pandemic experience to the current geopolitical situation its pretty clear adversarial modes are still on the driving seat.