Series 2.8 – Understanding Gorean Natural Order: Philosophy and Modern Life

Gorean philosophy has a reputation for its emphasis on instinct, hierarchy, and nature – often summed up in the idea of a “Natural Order.” In this episode, we’ll demystify what Natural Order really means in the world of Gor and in modern Gorean lifestyle practice. We’ll explore how John Norman’s books portray primal instinct and hierarchy, draw parallels to today’s back-to-basics and ecological mindsets, and discuss how one might pursue a “natural” path ethically and consensually within modern society. Importantly, we’ll reinforce a key truth: “natural” ≠ an excuse for abuse or discrimination.

Instinct, Hierarchy, and Nature in the Gorean Saga

From the very first Gor novel, Norman makes it clear that Goreans see themselves as part of nature, not above it. Gorean characters live by instinct and primal truths: strength, sex, survival. The books bluntly portray a world where dominance and hierarchy are as natural as the sunrise. Men are generally warriors, hunters, and leaders; women (especially the slave-girls Norman so loves to write about) are usually submissive, devoted, and fulfilled in that role . The narrative suggests that these dynamics arise from biological reality – an evolutionary design rather than mere culture or opinion . In fact, a recurring theme is that denying our instincts only causes misery. As one fan summary puts it, Goreans feel it’s futile to disregard “hundreds of generations of evolution” – if nature has equipped a creature for a role, it should be allowed to fulfill it .

Hierarchy on Gor isn’t a dirty word; it’s the order of things. The fictional society is built on layer upon layer of hierarchy – from the high Council of a city down to a personal power exchange between a Master and slave. Norman’s view (through his Gorean characters) is that hierarchy will form inevitably in any group of humans, just as it does among pack animals or primates . Some people lead, others follow; both roles have purpose. As the books say, “not everyone can, or should, lead” – and following isn’t shameful if it’s in your nature . This natural stratification even extends to the Gorean view of gender: the male, being on average larger and stronger, is seen as genetically predisposed to dominate physically and protect; the female, being smaller and less physically powerful, is expected to acknowledge that reality and complement it by using her own strengths (empathy, nurturing, endurance) to aid and serve . In the oft-quoted words of the saga, Gorean men often refer to women collectively as “the slave sex,” not to suggest every woman must be a literal slave, but to underscore the idea that the female’s natural bent is to yield to a worthy male’s strength . This provocative phrasing highlights Gor’s core belief: males and females are different by nature, and there is a natural polarity between masculine dominance and feminine submission.

It’s important to note that Norman dramatizes these concepts to extremes in the novels – after all, Gor is a fantasy world. Enslavement in the books is often non-consensual and total. The story might show a proud Earth woman abducted to Gor, only to realize “at the feet of men, [she] had found herself” , joyously accepting a collar as though it were the fulfillment of her deepest truth. By the end of many Gor novels, even the most headstrong female characters discover that they prefer life as a cherished slave than as a free woman – a narrative device that reinforces Norman’s idea of an instinctive natural order. Statistically, the books claim only a small fraction of Gorean women are actual slaves (often quoted as ~2%), yet nearly all the women we meet in the stories end up in bondage (because, as one Gorean essay wryly notes, “they are simply more fun to read about” in that state) . This hyperbolic world-building makes the dominant/submissive dichotomy unmistakably clear on Gor, even if it’s far more extreme than anything a modern Gorean would endorse. The fantasy serves a point: to strip away the veneer of modern social convention and imagine humans relating in a more “animal” way – guided by lust, power, and protective instinct rather than polite restraint .

Yet, even within the fiction, Norman injects a philosophical justification for this setup. He argues (sometimes through long monologues in the books) that modern Earth’s denial of natural hierarchies has led to misery and confusion . In Gor’s universe, by contrast, society embraces a “Natural Order”: every person knows their role, whether warrior, peasant, master or slave, and finds pride in it. The presumed result? A more honest, vibrant, and meaningful life than the anomie and angst Norman associates with modern egalitarianism. While one can certainly dispute his conclusions, the internal logic is consistent: harmony comes from living in accordance with nature – including our primitive sexual and social instincts .

Finally, Gor’s love of nature isn’t only about social roles – it’s literal as well. The books repeatedly contrast the “clean and untainted” air of Gor with the “polluted” skies of Earth . Goreans are depicted as a people deeply in love with their world’s natural beauty: “They love the sky, the plains, the sea, the rain in summer, the snow in winter… More than one Gorean poet has sung of the leaf of a Tur tree” . Living close to nature is part of being Gorean. This environmental theme underscores a broader point: simplicity. Gor is a pre-industrial world (no cars or smartphones on Counter-Earth!). Life is more raw and immediate – and the Goreans cherish it. In short, the saga idealizes a state of being “aligned with nature” – both in how society is ordered and how people relate to the physical world around them .

Back-to-Basics: Modern Parallels in Simplicity and Directness

It’s striking how some of Gor’s “primitive” ethos resonates with modern back-to-basics movements. Many real-life Gorean lifestylers find themselves drawn not only to the D/s aspect of Gor but to a simpler, less artificial way of living. Gor’s emphasis on nature, for example, dovetails with a healthy respect for the environment. While you don’t have to be an eco-warrior to be Gorean, caring for the natural world fits perfectly with Gorean values . The planet is, after all, named “Home Stone” in the books – a symbolic reminder that the land itself is sacred, the anchor of life. Modern Goreans often talk about reconnecting with “the basics” of human existence: fresh air, open skies, honest labor, real community. It’s not uncommon to see Gorean-influenced folks enjoying camping, homesteading skills, or simply a minimalist lifestyle that rejects excessive consumerism. After reading about Torvaldslanders (the Gorean Northmen) splitting wood and roasting meat over a fire, one might be inspired to put down the fast-food and try a hand at more self-sufficient, earthy pursuits. The appeal is the same: a life that feels grounded and real, versus one drowned in plastic and pixels.

Another modern parallel is the idea of voluntary simplicity – choosing to live with less clutter and consumption, and more meaning. Gorean philosophy values substance over status. In the books, characters earn esteem through courage, skill, honor, and loyalty, not through how many objects they own. This can encourage Gorean aficionados to question the modern rat race. Do we really need the latest gadget or a closet full of stuff to be happy? Or is fulfillment found in relationships, mastery of skills, and living true to one’s nature? The Gorean answer is clear. A true man, in Norman’s world, might be satisfied with a sharp sword, a loyal companion, and a hearty meal shared by the fire – rather than chasing abstract corporate promotions. A true woman, in Gorean terms, finds joy in devotion, beauty in simplicity, and doesn’t need 50 pairs of shoes to know her worth. While we don’t have to take it to Spartan extremes, there’s a distinct anti-materialist streak in Gorean culture that resonates with today’s minimalist and “slow living” trends.

Directness is another hallmark of both Gor and the modern craving for authenticity. The Gorean books are nothing if not blunt – sometimes shockingly so – about what people want and who they are. Norman’s storytelling refuses to “pretend we’re purely civilized abstractions” devoid of animal instincts . That bluntness – about sex, power, desire, fear – is part of Gor’s allure for many. In an age of carefully curated social-media personas and polite euphemisms, Gor’s straightforwardness can feel like a cold splash of water: bracing and real. Modern Goreans often adopt a similar frank, no-nonsense communication style. They value honesty and clarity over the polite lies that smooth everyday social interactions. This doesn’t mean Goreans go around being rude to everyone – rather, they strive to be authentic. They say what they mean and mean what they say (recall the Gorean focus on personal honor and keeping one’s word from Series 2.5 ). In fact, one of the exercises we suggested in the honor episode was an “honor audit” – asking yourself where you make excuses or hide your true thoughts . That kind of exercise speaks to the Gorean and the modern truth-seeker alike.

In short, the Gorean lifestyle often encourages a “stripping away” of the unnecessary – whether that’s unnecessary luxuries, facades, or even over-complicated relationship games. What remains is something primitive in the best sense: a life of purpose, presence, and connection. Many who experiment with Gorean ideas report that it feels like “coming home” to something fundamentally human in themselves . That sentiment – of rediscovering a more natural way of being – echoes in everything from the paleo diet and wilderness retreats to relationship advice about men embracing masculinity and women femininity. The terminology differs, but the impulse is the same: find what is real and enduring beneath the modern gloss. Gor just gives that impulse a dramatic, mythical framework.

Finding a “Natural Order” in Modern Life –  Without Leaving Society

One question we hear often is: “Can you really live by Gorean Natural Order in today’s world?” The answer is yes – but with adaptation and wisdom. We are not actually on Gor, fighting duels at every insult and carrying off women in chains. We live in the here and now, with jobs, laws, and neighbors. Embracing Gorean ideas doesn’t mean renouncing modern life; it means infusing your life with chosen principles that matter to you, while staying integrated and responsible in society at large.

First and foremost, consent and communication are your compass. In the Gorean books, societal norms allow a man to simply claim a woman as his slave if he can overpower her. In the real world? Absolutely not. Modern Goreans take the core dynamic of male dominance and female submission and translate it into a consensual lifestyle choice . Practically, this often looks similar to a BDSM D/s relationship (though Goreans will be quick to tell you it’s not “just BDSM with sci-fi costumes”). It means that if a couple agrees to follow a male-led, female-submissive structure, both partners have discussed and accepted that arrangement freely. The man leads with responsibility; the woman submits by choice – as we emphasized previously, “she gives it as a choice—never as a verdict on her worth.” In return, “if he takes the dominant role, he takes the burden” of care and leadership .

To successfully walk a Natural Order path today, you establish clear agreements. Many Gorean-inspired couples even draft something akin to a “contract” or a set of household protocols. This isn’t about cosplaying legality; it’s about making sure everyone is on the same page regarding roles, limits, and expectations. For example, a wife who consents to a Gorean-style marriage (often called a Free Companionship in Gorean circles) might agree that her husband has final say in major decisions, or that she will follow certain forms of address and service at home. The husband, for his part, might vow to provide, protect, and listen to her needs, and perhaps to mentor her growth as his companion or “kajira.” Everything is negotiated – even if the spirit of the arrangement is “He leads, she follows,” the specifics can be as customized as the individuals involved. And importantly, there are always safety valves: safe-words, check-ins, or a mutual understanding that if either party feels the arrangement is harming more than helping, they will stop and re-evaluate (yes, even if the role-play is Master/slave, in reality the person wearing the collar can withdraw consent – more on that below).

Staying integrated in society also means discretion and respect for others. A modern Gorean doesn’t walk into the office and start ordering all the women to make him coffee because “women are natural slaves.” That would be absurd (and a quick way to get fired or worse). Natural Order, as lived by ethical Goreans, is a private ethos, not an excuse to mistreat anyone outside your consensual dynamic. Think of it this way: many people have alternative lifestyles that they practice at home while functioning normally in public. Some couples have D/s dynamics where one partner quietly signals obedience, but to any outsider they seem like ordinary folks. Goreans are the same. You might serve your Free Companion dinner on your knees in private, but you’re not going to kneel in the supermarket checkout line. Unless you have that kind of exhibitionist streak (in which case, understand that it must remain within legal limits – public indecency laws apply!).

Speaking of laws and ethics: Gorean lifestyle practice must obey the law and basic human rights, full stop. Actual slavery (ownership of a person as property) is illegal in all civilized countries, and no, you cannot sign away your personhood even if you want to. Consent in real life is a continuous requirement, not a one-time checkbox . This is why even the most dedicated kajira in the Gorean community knows that if she says “I release myself” or simply leaves, no Master can truly stop her in a legal sense. Gorean relationships exist within the same boundaries as BDSM or any alternative lifestyle: Safe, Sane, and Consensual (to use the community catchphrase). As one Gorean commentator put it, if you strip away those consensual frameworks and safeguards, “abuse begins where these foundations end.” In other words, the difference between a loving, if unorthodox, relationship and a domestic abuse situation is whether the power dynamic is freely chosen and can be freely exited . Real-life ethics demand that “polarity is freely chosen, not enforced.” This cannot be stressed enough.

So, practically, how do you balance Natural Order with everyday life? Here are a few examples:

• At home: You might create rituals that reinforce your chosen roles. Maybe every evening the submissive partner kneels and offers the dominant a greeting, symbolizing respect. Maybe the dominant makes the final call on finances or travel plans, after hearing the sub’s input. These private customs build the atmosphere of Natural Order in your household, even if they’re invisible to guests.
• At work and public life: You operate like anyone else – with professionalism and respect. A Gorean man can work under a female boss and still be “dominant” in his soul; there’s no contradiction. Natural Order isn’t about public pomp, it’s about personal truth. He might even excel at work because his Gorean values teach him discipline and leadership (and a Gorean woman might excel because her self-knowledge lets her choose whether to lead or to find fulfillment in supportive roles she truly enjoys). Importantly, Goreans do not use philosophy as an excuse to break laws or ignore modern ethics. A Gorean-influenced master who “punishes” his partner in the bedroom still knows hitting a stranger or non-consenting person is assault, not Mastery.
• In community: Many Goreans connect with others in online forums or local meet-ups (much like BDSM munches). In those spaces, they may drop the mask and use Gorean titles (Master X, slave Y) openly. But even there, genuine respect rules. Senior Goreans often emphasize that a true Gorean man shows courtesy and self-control, not bluster. He doesn’t need to bully random women to prove he’s dominant; his dominance shows in how he conducts himself and cares for those under his wing. Likewise, a true kajira is only deferential to her own chosen Master (and courteous to others). She’s not obliged to call every man “Master” – a point of etiquette often misunderstood.

In summary, finding your way back to “Natural Order” is less about rejecting modern life and more about intentionally designing your life and relationships according to your natural instincts and values. You can do that and still thrive in the modern world. In fact, many Goreans would argue they thrive more because of it – they aren’t living a lie or suppressing who they are. One Gorean lifestyle essay aptly noted that it may not be possible to live “fully Gor” 24/7 in reality (our world will never be Counter-Earth), but you can live many Gorean principles in short-term or modified ways, “with much compromise and negotiation between all parties involved.” . Compromise, negotiation, self-awareness – those are the bridge that carries Natural Order into the 21st century.

Nature ≠ Excuse: Keeping “Natural Order” Healthy and Honorable

We’ve painted Natural Order in a largely positive light – as something that can be beautiful, consensual, even “natural” for some couples. But let’s address the elephant in the room: the potential for misuse. Detractors argue (and rightly so, in cases they’ve seen) that talk of “men naturally dominant, women naturally submissive” can be abused by bad actors. A man could say, “It’s just nature that I control you, so you can’t complain if I mistreat you.” A community could excuse sexism or toxic behavior under the banner of “well, it’s Natural Order.” These are distortions – dangerous ones – and they must be guarded against. Embracing Natural Order never means abandoning accountability or compassion. On the contrary, a Gorean male’s first duty is to protect and honor those in his care, and a Gorean female’s submission is her gift, given willingly – not taken .

Let’s break down a few critical points to ensure no one uses “nature” as a shield for harm:

• “Natural” does not mean “good” without context: Yes, Gor argues certain dynamics are natural to us – but lots of natural impulses (like aggression or jealousy) can be harmful if indulged without restraint. Gorean philosophy isn’t about indulging every urge. It’s about channeling natural instincts constructively. For example, a Gorean man might feel naturally aggressive – the philosophy would have him cultivate that into honorable courage or protective strength, not into random violence. Discipline is key. In fact, Gorean training (for both dominant and submissive) often involves learning self-discipline to handle power responsibly . The “natural order” is not an excuse to act like a brute; it’s a call to a higher standard of character aligned with one’s innate role.
• Consent is the moral compass: We’ve said it before, but it bears endless repetition. A hierarchy or power exchange by itself isn’t moral or immoral – how it’s conducted makes it so. The Gorean lifestyle, when done right, passes the same ethical test as any healthy relationship: “Is it consensual, humane, and honoring of the people inside it?” . If the answer is ever no, then it’s not Gorean philosophy at work – it’s just abuse or exploitation. No true Gorean will defend an abuser just because “he’s a Master and she’s a slave.” In fact, the Gorean community is often extra wary of those who use the lingo without the ethics. (Many of the “horror stories” one hears – of so-called Masters mistreating or even criminally abusing women – are cases where the individual ignored core Gorean tenets like responsibility, honor, and consent. In Gorean terms, that man is not living by Gorean honor, and that situation has left consensual dynamics far behind.)
• No discrimination in everyday life: Believing in Natural Order for yourself does not give you license to violate others’ rights or equal opportunities. A Gorean man does not think all women must submit to all men – he only believes females as a group tend toward a submissive nature with males as a group, and crucially, that each individual woman can choose how to live her nature. In the books, even, not all women are slaves; there are Free Women who are proud and commanding (they just operate within the cultural norms of patriarchy). In modern practice, you will find women in the Gorean community who choose not to be slaves or who live as Free Companions (equals in many respects) – their choice is respected. Similarly, a Gorean employer in real life isn’t going to refuse to hire or promote women on the basis of philosophy – that would be unethical and illegal. Gorean morality, properly applied, actually demands fairness and meritocracy in such contexts (remember the principle “Advancement of the Strong” – strength of mind and talent should be celebrated in anyone ). In short, Natural Order is a personal framework, not a public policy. It guides how you structure your household and love life, not how you treat someone who never agreed to play by your rules.
• Strength ≠ cruelty; Submission ≠ weakness: Gorean Natural Order, at its heart, holds a deep respect for both sides of the coin. The masculine is honored for its strength, yes, but also burdened with duty. A Gorean man worth the title is not a tyrant – he is more akin to a caretaker or wise king for those under his leadership. The feminine is honored for its complementary strengths – creativity, intuition, life-giving nurture, emotional resilience. There is no place for the misogynistic notion that women are “lesser.” If anything, Gorean men adore women – the entire institution of bondage in the books is framed as a worship of the feminine mystique, twisted as that may sound. As an example, one Warriors of Gor quote highlights how Gorean men see many Earth women as starved for the freedom to submit, denied it by modern society, whereas on Gor these women “had undergone a liberation into truth and selfhood… becoming what they had always hoped to be” at the feet of a master . While that rhetoric is extreme, notice the positivity around the woman’s experience: she finds joy and fulfillment, not degradation. If a Gorean-style dynamic is not yielding mutual joy or growth, something is wrong. Natural Order is supposed to feel right to those who live it – like a puzzle piece clicking into place. It’s never meant to be an all-purpose justification for one-sided selfish pleasure.

To conclude this cautionary note: a healthy Gorean mindset is humble in a way. It acknowledges a man’s natural advantages in some areas, but also his obligations; it acknowledges a woman’s natural inclination to yield (in this view), but also her indispensable worth in the dynamic. It says, essentially, “This is how we might complement each other best – shall we step into those roles together?” There’s no force in that question, only an invitation. If the answer is yes, it can lead to a profoundly fulfilling partnership. If the answer is no, a true Gorean accepts that and moves on – he doesn’t stomp his foot and claim “women must submit because biology says so” . Remember, even in Gor’s own lore, there are exceptions to the rule (“those averages are not destiny” as we saw) . The philosophy accounts for individual variance; so should we.

Embracing Natural Order: A Choice, Not a Chore

At its best, the Gorean sense of Natural Order offers a path for men and women to be themselves more completely. It’s about peeling back layers of modern conditioning and asking, “What actually feels right for me as a man or woman?” Some will find that Norman’s vision doesn’t resonate – and that’s okay! But many do find an almost uncanny validation in it. There are couples who will tell you that adopting a male-led, female-submissive dynamic “felt like the first time we were fully ourselves, without pretending” . That is powerful. It’s no wonder that what began as pulp fiction spawned a real subculture – because beyond the daring adventures and slave-girl titillation, Gor speaks to something primitive in the human spirit.

If you’re someone who feels that call of the wild, that pull toward simpler, starker truths, then exploring Natural Order might be liberating. You’re not “wrong” or “broken” to crave a relationship where the man takes charge and the woman yields – or vice versa, if that’s your polarity. As we’ve shown, evolutionary psychology and cross-cultural patterns suggest there is “something to it,” even if science hasn’t pinned it down conclusively . At the end of the day, what matters is choice and fit . If you choose this life, do it with eyes open and for the right reasons: mutual benefit, love, and personal growth.

Living a Gorean-inspired life in modern society is a balancing act, but many are doing it successfully – quietly weaving those Gorean virtues (honor, responsibility, discipline) and roles into the fabric of their daily lives. They create a kind of “home pocket of Gor” that might look traditional to outsiders (perhaps a 1950s style household in some ways), but it’s often far more conscious and consensual than the average traditional marriage. And importantly, they do it integrated with modern values: they don’t isolate themselves or reject the good parts of contemporary life. A Gorean couple can enjoy Netflix, hold professional careers, raise children, and maintain their chosen natural hierarchy at home. It’s not an either/or unless you want it to be.

By embracing the Natural Order mindset, you’re affirming that there’s nothing wrong – and perhaps very much right – about men being proudly masculine (protective, decisive, honorable) and women being proudly feminine (supportive, nurturing, devoted) if that’s what they authentically desire. In a world that sometimes insists those differences are outdated or oppressive, the Gorean lifestyle says, “Maybe they’re just part of who we are – and maybe we can celebrate that.”  Far from being an exercise in oppression, a consensual return to these instinctive roles can feel like coming home to ourselves, a relief from the social tug-of-war over gender politics.

Natural Order is ultimately about harmony – each person fulfilling a role that feels natural to them, like instruments in an ancient song. When done right, it’s “focused intimacy” and trust, not tyranny . And if anyone tries to twist it into something ugly – you now have the knowledge to call that out. As we wrap up, remember the guiding question we pulled from the books: Not “does a hierarchy exist?” but “Is it consensual, humane, and honoring to those within it?” . If yes, then you have nothing to apologize for. Live your truth boldly and ethically. Let others think it’s “odd” if they must, but many might quietly envy the depth of connection and purpose you forge by living according to your natural design.

In the next part of this series, we’ll continue to explore these philosophical tensions. We’ve looked at power exchange and gender; soon we’ll delve into how strength and vulnerability play together (paradoxically) in the Gorean view of masculinity and femininity (see Series 2.7 for that discussion). We’ll also be looking at the role of language – words, oaths, and the power of commitment – in shaping reality (because on Gor, saying “I am yours” is a world-altering act).

Until then, enjoy the journey back to your own nature. As always, Gor is a mirror – it shows you a bolder reflection of desires you might barely admit to yourself. There’s no requirement to take on every aspect at once; you might start small, with one piece of the Natural Order concept that calls to you. Try it on, talk with your partner or a like-minded friend, and see how it feels. You might be surprised at the sense of “this fits, this feels right” that comes. And if not, that’s knowledge too – you’ll have learned something about where your comfort zone and boundaries lie.

Natural Order is not a mandate; it’s an invitation. For those who accept it, it can be a path to profound self-discovery and closeness with your chosen other. Just remember: the path back to nature should never trample over the humanity of anyone involved. Walk it with honor, and it can lead you to the very heart of what Gor (and perhaps life) is about: freedom through structure, power balanced by love, and truth found in instinct .

---

References for further reading:

• Gorean Lifestyle Blog – “Natural Order” (House of Phoenix archive, May 1, 2020) – a detailed two-part breakdown of the concept and its scientific and social underpinnings .
• Marcus of Ar, “What is the Philosophy of Gor?” (1996) – an essay outlining basic Gorean tenets, including “Obey the Natural Order of things” .
• Hitchhiker’s Guide (h2g2) – “Understanding the Theory of Natural Order” – a summary of Norman’s critique of modern egalitarianism and the male/female dynamic in Gor .
• Gorean Lifestyle Blog – Series 2.5: “Honor, Responsibility and Discipline: The Core of Gorean Philosophy” – especially section 4, “Demystifying Natural Order Without Turning It Into a Weapon,” which offers a nuanced, ethical framing of Natural Order for modern life .
• Gorean Lifestyle Blog – Series 1.4: “Common Misconceptions About the Gorean Lifestyle” – addresses the assumption “Gor = abuse” and explains consent and safety in Gorean dynamics .

Here is the full list of current series of articles:

• Series 1 – Start Here: Understanding the Gorean Lifestyle
  • Understanding the Gorean Lifestyle: Myths and Realities
  • From Page to Practice: How People Moved From the Books of Gor to a Modern Lifestyle
  • Key Gorean Concepts for Beginners: Home Stone, Caste, Natural Order & More
  • Common Misconceptions About the Gorean Lifestyle
• Series 2 – The Philosophy: Values Behind the Gorean Lifestyle
  • Honor, Responsibility and Discipline: The Core of Gorean Philosophy
  • Freedom, Choice and Voluntary Surrender: A Paradox at the Heart of Gor
  • Strength and Vulnerability: The Gorean View of Masculinity and Femininity