I pointedly avoid political content on this site.  But the political environment of any era is fodder for a student of human motivation.  And in today’s increasingly inflammatory scene, considering the drivers behind individual positions is the only way I can remain objective and (to a degree, anyway) tolerant of those with whom I differ.

First at issue are individual values. They are what infuse meaning into individual lives. In essence, they are the principles by which people live, albeit (more often than not) unconsciously. They are (or should be) the anchor on which an individual’s politics are grounded. But few people critically examine their own values: What are they? From whence do they come? Are they in concert with one another? Are my actions and beliefs in concert with what I believe them to be? If not, which do I reexamine, my values or my life?

But political positions also stem from multiple other drivers, some innate in human nature, others the result of personal history: Tribalism, fear, insecurity, short-term thinking, inability to think critically, a need to blame…among others. Examining all this objectively is a hell of a lot of work, much of it painful. It’s more immediately validating to react emotionally to a given issue. This is why data-driven and fact-driven arguments are ineffective in politics. Politicians benefit more by framing issues emotionally than from any appeal to logic (hence, George Lakoff’s 1989 book, “Don’t Think of an Elephant.”)

In sum, this is why I dislike political discussions, per se. They are invariably shallow unless (1) they include the objective dissection of an issue, (2) participants are introspective enough to examine why they hold the positions they do, and (3) participants can objectively consider positions that conflict with their own. If, on the other hand, those conditions are met, they are invariably enjoyable.

The above said, a side note: The politics of tribalism snd dissent we are immersed in today make me fear for both the U.S. and the world.  Not that there is anything either unique or novel about the intolerance and violence. Any cursory read of history belies that. But our potential for destruction is unarguably greater than ever. I think civilization as we know it is in peril.

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