Some agree with utility equalling worth. This line of thinking is always a prelude to despotism. A tyranny that justifies the murder of others for the purpose of consolidating power.

An alternative view would be seeking identity in belonging to a group. Again we see political, religious and scientific labels that seek to define these groups. We can add to the mix at this point fashion generational identifiers and status cymbals. We find value in the "clubs" we belong to. Be it a prestigious school, a type of clothing or behavioral trends that indicate our club, it is a neo-tribalism that finds power and value in how many people we agree with. One irony that emerges is the way that some seek to be anti-tribal becomes it's own club. For example, guys who wear their hat backwards, or people who like independent music and films. They are all trying to be different in the same ways, and so then they are creating a new tribe.