In 1859, Charles Dickens famously opened “A Tale of Two Cities” with, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” His words captured the turmoil of the French Revolution, a period of intense social upheaval and unrest alongside great progress. Fast forward to 2024, and these words once again resonate. We stand on the cusp of remarkable societal advancements, yet we also face a disturbing rise in divisiveness and violence, both in our country and around the world.
Our current challenges stem, in large part, from the unprecedented rate of change over the last few decades. The world has become more interconnected, and with that interconnectedness comes growing pains. These massive social shifts have led to much uncertainty—an uncomfortable, often fear-inducing state. While technology connects us, the overwhelming amount of information is also dividing us. When we’re in unknown situations, our brains often respond by releasing cortisol, preparing us for “fight, flight or freeze.” In today’s complex world, this primal response is rarely the best option.
Prolonged exposure to uncertainty and stress floods the body with cortisol, which can lead to paranoia and distorted thinking. We start to exaggerate and imagine threats, creating stories in our minds that, in turn, drive actions harmful to ourselves and others.
The media play a significant role in amplifying these fears. With countless outlets competing for attention, sensationalism often overshadows balanced reporting. This constant barrage can skew our perceptions, leaving us feeling overwhelmed and helpless. While staying informed is important, we must be mindful of how media consumption impacts our mental well-being. If we allow fear to dictate our responses, we risk descending into a society governed by hate, with dire long-term consequences.
A history of trauma is another powerful force driving fear and division. Research on Holocaust survivors, descendants of enslaved African Americans and Native Americans shows that trauma’s effects can be passed down directly through our genes as well as our behaviors, negatively impacting future generations. With increasing numbers of people experiencing severe trauma, at home and abroad, societies will face greater difficulty evolving in a healthy direction. As we see in escalating conflicts across the globe, violence begets violence, creating cycles that become ever more challenging to break.
Have we lost our collective sense of humanity? When we view others as enemies, we abandon empathy and compassion, losing our ability to find peaceful solutions. Excessive fear and hatred erode our natural drive for harmony and happiness. To reverse this trend, we must act now.
The first step in overcoming fear and anger is self-awareness. We must acknowledge our emotions and identify their sources. By recognizing and managing these feelings, we can prevent them from escalating into bitterness, hostility or violence. Mindfulness practices help us pause, reflect and choose thoughtful responses rather than reacting impulsively. Daily self-care and reflection can be powerful tools in this process.
Fostering empathy is equally crucial. Empathy asks us to step into another’s shoes and understand their experiences. When we humanize those we disagree with, it becomes harder to hold on to hostility.
Carefully curating the information we consume is also essential. Misinformation and oversimplified narratives fuel anger and deepen divides. Critical thinking and openness to dialogue are key to bridging gaps and fostering understanding. Engaging with others who hold different perspectives and promoting honest, respectful conversations are both vital to breaking down the barriers that divide us.
Compassion, both for ourselves and others, is an antidote to hate. It allows us to see beyond our differences and respond to harm with healing rather than retaliation. We must work to break the cycle of violence. Victims of trauma need support to heal, rather than continuing the cycle. Acknowledging our pain and taking steps toward healing can free us from its destructive hold. As Einstein once said, “A human being is part of a whole, called by us the ‘universe’… our task must be to free ourselves … by widening our circles of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty.”
In “The Better Angels of Our Nature,” Steven Pinker argues that, over time, human society has trended toward less violence and more cooperation. Despite today’s conflicts, we are on a path of moral progress. Empathy, reason and self-control can help us overcome fear and resentment. These same principles will guide us through the challenges of our time, ensuring we build a future based on understanding and shared purpose.
As the upcoming election nears, it’s crucial to keep these dynamics in mind. Elections fuel uncertainty, and the stakes are high. We must approach this moment with clarity, reflection and patience—not impulsive reactions driven by fear or frustration. The assassination attempts this past summer highlight the dangerous consequences of allowing anger and violence to dictate political discourse. Regardless of one’s opinion of former President Donald Trump, we must agree that violence is never the answer. The justice system is addressing his legal issues, and very soon we will have the power to voice our opinions at the ballot box.
In a democracy, our votes shape the future, and we all bear responsibility for fostering unity. As the late Senator Paul Wellstone said, “We all do better when we all do better.” The early days of the pandemic reminded us of this truth, and it’s a message we must carry forward to build a more compassionate, united future. Together, we can reclaim our humanity, heal divisions and forge a path toward lasting peace.
