Great article bringing lots of insight. I’ve always been amazed at how people can be so stuck in their beliefs and politics. One of my favorite things to do is listen to other’s points of view, ask questions, stay curious. I always learn something. It gives me a different perspective. I understand them better. It doesn’t always result in me changing my opinion, but I feel I’ve gained insight. I don’t know everything about everything and so I’m willing to learn. I think a great question to ask when someone is going off on something so emphatically is, “How do you know that to be true?” Said kindly and sincerely. It sometimes stops them in their tracks, because they don’t always know, or they’re just parroting something they’ve heard. I think if we could all stay a little more curious without feeling threatened, we’d have a middle on the graph again. 😉
It is a great comment. I use it in coaching frequently and also in my personal relationships. It’s amazing how some people will say they saw it on FB or IG etc. I’ll ask, but how do YOU know it to be true? I’ve never had someone have an answer yet. The goal is not to set them up or prove them wrong, but to get them to consider why they believe what they do.
Excellent in-depth examination and insight. And while I believe narcissism isn’t limited to one political party, I do believe we need to become more curious and discerning and thoughtful as a nation and society. I pray we still can.
Yes precisely. This article was a bit biased, but I could just as easily focus on the narcissism of the left as well. The narcissism of the left often manifests as moral superiority.
Articulate, clearly structured presentation highlighting the dehumanization of the political opposition necessary to sustain the political divide - Heroes vs. Monsters; Jedi vs. masked Storm Troopers; Scientists vs. Jurassic Park dinosaurs, and now Democrats vs. Republicans. I'm an army and CIA veteran. This is not what I fought for. I later became a self-made, small business finance advocate particularly interested in emerging economic markets. My SME finance advocacy efforts have made me cannon fodder in the left vs. right battle. I have been fashioned as a capitalist monster and I am to be slain for my offenses against one party's view of democracy. I'm a small potato and an easy target for a government budget backed hero of democracy to victoriously place my head up on a stake. I did not serve in the army for one party or another. My SME advocacy efforts had nothing to do with political loyalties. My motivation has always been to do my part to protect humanity and, if possible, leave it better than I found it. I'm exhausted. I'm tempted to surrender, take my licks, and try to live out what's left of my life in a hermit's peace. Part of me continues to entertain the idea of using my story to re-humanize the political opposition. I have drafted a book about my journey titled Finding We. I've started a new business designed to contribute to a reversal of the wealth divide. I'm trying to find David's motivation to face Goliath. I just don't know. Your article is a glimmer of light at the end of this political divide tunnel. Maybe my effort is worth it? It's an awful big effort on my part that is probably just a small drop in a very big and turbulent ocean. Please keep thinking about and writing on this topic. I need the inspiration, and I pray that you are inspiring others as well.
Keep on fighting, bro! You're a warrior. That means you keep fighting for good even when others are taking the easy way out. If you need a break, that is okay too. Hope you find peace and rest. David prepared his accuracy during peaceful times protecting his flock and it only took him one throw to take down Goliath. It's about the preparation when no one else is watching.
Your articles have always helped keep me in check. It's made me more careful about how my actions can be self-serving without me realizing it! Thank you for your work!
Hey Daniel, insightful article! The concept of splitting needs so much more attention than it currently gets. Would’ve been nice to see your thoughts as to how to deal with the weaponization of this by large media companies. Looking forward to the next piece! 👌
Thanks!! Oh man that’s a complex problem. I have my thoughts on that, but I think each approach has its pros and cons. Ultimately, we have to manage our own greed, envy and impatience if we are to take down billionaires. Powerful people aren’t going to go down easily. Courageous people need to rally together to boycott and make better choices with what they consume, including media-wise. Look at Instagram and Facebook. It’s pretty well-known how corrupt they are now, yet 3 billion people still use them DAILY. If we don’t learn to surrender convenience, we can’t win.
Good luck convincing the masses to surrender convenience 😅. A bit pessimistic about the overall outlook of making much meaningful progress on this regard. Providing this sort of quality education / resources is the best anyone can do amidst all the noise.
Thank you for saying what I’m sure so many of us have been thinking and feeling. I don’t see how things could possibly get better until more people start waking up to the truth of what you’ve shared.
You're welcome, Stephanie! Thank you for commenting. It is encouraging when people like you let me know that you value what I have to say. I'm hoping that we can unite and seek understanding before it's too late.
Great article bringing lots of insight. I’ve always been amazed at how people can be so stuck in their beliefs and politics. One of my favorite things to do is listen to other’s points of view, ask questions, stay curious. I always learn something. It gives me a different perspective. I understand them better. It doesn’t always result in me changing my opinion, but I feel I’ve gained insight. I don’t know everything about everything and so I’m willing to learn. I think a great question to ask when someone is going off on something so emphatically is, “How do you know that to be true?” Said kindly and sincerely. It sometimes stops them in their tracks, because they don’t always know, or they’re just parroting something they’ve heard. I think if we could all stay a little more curious without feeling threatened, we’d have a middle on the graph again. 😉
Hi Pam! Thank you! That is a wonderful question to ask!! I’m going to borrow that. I feel like it would be great in therapy too.
Love this sentiment. If only we had more people who think like you in the world …
It is a great comment. I use it in coaching frequently and also in my personal relationships. It’s amazing how some people will say they saw it on FB or IG etc. I’ll ask, but how do YOU know it to be true? I’ve never had someone have an answer yet. The goal is not to set them up or prove them wrong, but to get them to consider why they believe what they do.
Excellent in-depth examination and insight. And while I believe narcissism isn’t limited to one political party, I do believe we need to become more curious and discerning and thoughtful as a nation and society. I pray we still can.
Yes precisely. This article was a bit biased, but I could just as easily focus on the narcissism of the left as well. The narcissism of the left often manifests as moral superiority.
Excellent analysis, well written & insightful. Great job!
Thanks, Dad!
Articulate, clearly structured presentation highlighting the dehumanization of the political opposition necessary to sustain the political divide - Heroes vs. Monsters; Jedi vs. masked Storm Troopers; Scientists vs. Jurassic Park dinosaurs, and now Democrats vs. Republicans. I'm an army and CIA veteran. This is not what I fought for. I later became a self-made, small business finance advocate particularly interested in emerging economic markets. My SME finance advocacy efforts have made me cannon fodder in the left vs. right battle. I have been fashioned as a capitalist monster and I am to be slain for my offenses against one party's view of democracy. I'm a small potato and an easy target for a government budget backed hero of democracy to victoriously place my head up on a stake. I did not serve in the army for one party or another. My SME advocacy efforts had nothing to do with political loyalties. My motivation has always been to do my part to protect humanity and, if possible, leave it better than I found it. I'm exhausted. I'm tempted to surrender, take my licks, and try to live out what's left of my life in a hermit's peace. Part of me continues to entertain the idea of using my story to re-humanize the political opposition. I have drafted a book about my journey titled Finding We. I've started a new business designed to contribute to a reversal of the wealth divide. I'm trying to find David's motivation to face Goliath. I just don't know. Your article is a glimmer of light at the end of this political divide tunnel. Maybe my effort is worth it? It's an awful big effort on my part that is probably just a small drop in a very big and turbulent ocean. Please keep thinking about and writing on this topic. I need the inspiration, and I pray that you are inspiring others as well.
Keep on fighting, bro! You're a warrior. That means you keep fighting for good even when others are taking the easy way out. If you need a break, that is okay too. Hope you find peace and rest. David prepared his accuracy during peaceful times protecting his flock and it only took him one throw to take down Goliath. It's about the preparation when no one else is watching.
Thank you for the words of encouragement.
Your articles have always helped keep me in check. It's made me more careful about how my actions can be self-serving without me realizing it! Thank you for your work!
You're welcome Azad!
Hey Daniel, insightful article! The concept of splitting needs so much more attention than it currently gets. Would’ve been nice to see your thoughts as to how to deal with the weaponization of this by large media companies. Looking forward to the next piece! 👌
Thanks!! Oh man that’s a complex problem. I have my thoughts on that, but I think each approach has its pros and cons. Ultimately, we have to manage our own greed, envy and impatience if we are to take down billionaires. Powerful people aren’t going to go down easily. Courageous people need to rally together to boycott and make better choices with what they consume, including media-wise. Look at Instagram and Facebook. It’s pretty well-known how corrupt they are now, yet 3 billion people still use them DAILY. If we don’t learn to surrender convenience, we can’t win.
Good luck convincing the masses to surrender convenience 😅. A bit pessimistic about the overall outlook of making much meaningful progress on this regard. Providing this sort of quality education / resources is the best anyone can do amidst all the noise.
lol maybe i'll write something on convenience
Brilliant! Would be a nice continuation
You didn’t just describe the problem—you diagnosed the emotional virus behind it.
Thank you for saying what I’m sure so many of us have been thinking and feeling. I don’t see how things could possibly get better until more people start waking up to the truth of what you’ve shared.
You're welcome, Stephanie! Thank you for commenting. It is encouraging when people like you let me know that you value what I have to say. I'm hoping that we can unite and seek understanding before it's too late.