Why Are We So Divided? Finding Unity in a Fractured World
Hello, everyone. Simon Jacobson here for another episode of Meaningful Life. Today’s topic: Why are we so divided, and how can we create a united United States? This program is dedicated by Cevia Israel in loving memory of Sarah bas Avraham and Tanchum ben Shlomo.
Sometimes the most obvious questions are the most complex. And sometimes, the most complex problems boil down to a very obvious question that is often overlooked. With all the polarization, fighting, vitriol, and even venom in the media, political arenas, and on all sides, everyone talks about how toxic the environment is. And yet, we also see something fundamentally wrong. What lies at the heart of it?
When things grow exponentially, compounded and amplified by technology involving millions upon millions of people, we sometimes lose sight of the core issue.
The Essence of Disagreement
Let’s bring it back to basics. When you disagree with someone – in your community, your home, your workplace – what is the essence of that disagreement?
Ideally, disagreements stem from two people having different, informed opinions. Based on their experiences and evaluations, each person arrives at a conclusion. In a healthy environment, they would each state their thoughts and feelings, make their case, listen to the other’s perspective, and respond. It’s not always easy, especially with emotionally charged topics.
Ideally, this leads to a third, better conclusion, incorporating the best of both worlds. This is the beauty of brainstorming – strengths, weaknesses, pros, and cons are weighed, and a superior approach emerges.
However, we often encounter arguments that go nowhere. Is it solely due to emotional investment? Perhaps we should also consider the role of ego and pride.
- We don’t want to be wrong.
- We dismiss sound arguments.
- We dismiss the person altogether.
It’s easier that way than confronting our potential biases.
A secure person wouldn’t hesitate to consider another’s opinion. Yet, we are all emotional, subjective beings, prone to prejudice. Admitting this is a step towards objectivity.
From Individual to Mob Mentality
Now amplify this scenario a millionfold – millions on social media and other media platforms, in a political landscape. You get mob mentality, herd mentality. It’s no longer about individual perspectives; it’s about conforming to a particular way of looking at life.
Ego, Insecurity, and the Lack of Transcendence
Why is our society so insecure? Where is the “Bitul” – the ability to suspend the self in the face of something greater?
We all worship something. Either we worship ourselves, or we worship something beyond ourselves.
Selflessness isn’t passive weakness. It stems from genuine strength, from recognizing something larger than our own ego.
As the Tanya beautifully explains in Chapter 32 (Lev – Hebrew for “heart”), transcendence is the key to unity, while self-interest breeds division.
When self-interest clashes with another’s, when our credibility feels threatened, aggression festers, creating tension and stifling communication.
We become so entrenched in our positions that we can’t fathom the legitimacy of another’s perspective.
Finding Unity in Something Greater
The missing ingredient in our society? Selflessness. And selflessness arises from connection to something greater than ourselves, a cause that transcends our individual interests.
It’s about recognizing the Divine spark in every human being, acknowledging that we are all “created equal, endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable Rights.” We are all indispensable notes in the grand cosmic symphony.
This requires introspection, an openness to learning from those we disagree with, even if it challenges our deeply held beliefs.
The Founding Fathers, under duress, facing the tyranny of King George, crystallized their values. They were forced to define what they stood for.
Today, we need a similar urgency to reconnect with the principles of selflessness, recognizing the inherent dignity in every individual.
This is how we begin to heal the divides and rebuild a united United States. Thank you.
This has been Simon Jacobson with Meaningful Life. Please check out our offerings, subscribe to our YouTube channel, share, and I’d love to hear your thoughts, feedback, and even rebuttals.
