Crisis of Self-Righteousness

We’re in a crisis of self-righteousness.

Our obsession with being right has blinded us from truly seeing,

Undermining our ability to bring meaningful change.

Having strong opinions is natural, especially when navigating complex and divisive issues.

But the insistence on being right can quickly turn toxic.

Self-righteousness harms society. It limits our perspective, makes it harder to communicate, and hinders our ability to achieve shared goals. On an individual level, this mindset is risky because we isolate ourselves from those who question our beliefs, making us feel increasingly lonely.

This leads to disconnection all around.

At the heart of this, we've lost touch with our shared humanity.

We’ve forgotten how to authentically connect with one another. Instead of seeing one another as fellow human beings, we quickly judge based solely on beliefs, we forget that we are constantly evolving and changing as individuals.

There are three spiritual principles we’ve overlooked:

1/ Growth and transformation:

Just as humans are not fixed entities, our thoughts and opinions progress over time. Giving each other space to discover, shift, and change is important.

2/ We are not our thoughts:

When we see the distinction between our thoughts and ourselves, we can detach from our beliefs and remain open to different viewpoints. When faced with disagreement, we understand it’s not a personal attack but rather a challenge to a particular set of beliefs.

3/ We are mirrors to each other:

Our interactions and relationships are reflections of ourselves. The behaviors and conflicts we experience offer insight into our own inner landscape. Instead of trying to change or control others, it’s an opportunity to transform ourselves.

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Navigating this period requires conscious transformation.

It begins by recognizing our own tendencies toward self-righteousness. While it's tempting to avoid difficult conversations altogether, with heightened awareness, we can embrace discomfort and be willing to grow both within ourselves and in society as a whole.

Here are two ideas for how to get started:

1/ Genuinely seek to understand the beliefs of others, even if we hold different opinions. We create a foundation for respectful dialogue by cultivating empathy and active listening.

2/ Focus on shared values. By emphasizing shared goals, we focus on what unites us.

At the core is the understanding that we are all interconnected.

As a species, our survival depends on looking beyond our differences and uniting around a common vision.

I won't sugarcoat it – this is hard for everyone, including me.

But here’s where I’m starting - by softening my attachments and being willing to shift within myself.