We are living in a cultural battle—a tug-of-war between ideologies. It’s been going on for so long that it has become invisible. Learning to recognize and handle this conflict is a necessary skill in our modern world.
When different worldviews try to influence the culture, they create conflict. This clash can fracture the culture into several opposing groups. Depending on their incompatibility, the dispute can cause acts of violence, even genocide.
This article will explore the levels of programming that affect us as a society and on a personal level. We will show why moving beyond the tribal mindset and cultivating a universal mindset is critical for the survival of humanity.
We’ll start by defining the terms and landscape of the culture and mind. Then, guide you through the differences and explain why this mindset shift is critical. Last, we’ll examine why this transition is difficult and what we need to do to overcome these obstacles.
Embracing Different Viewpoints
These three terms describe the levels of programming from society, cultural groups, and the individual. If we know where the programming is coming from, it helps us understand how it influences us and those around us.
For example, spiritual beliefs about the afterlife are prevalent in our culture. Even those who do not follow an organized religion have beliefs about life after death. A worldview accommodates all afterlife beliefs. Religions often have specific afterlife beliefs unique to their paradigms. A person in this religion might hold beliefs that differ from the official teachings. A strict tribal mindset may not afford the ability to make these kinds of choices.
How does this play out? A person who believes in Catholicism may not agree that paying indulgences secures rewards in the afterlife.
Worldview
A worldview is a comprehensive perspective through which we interpret the world and our place in it. It has a broad societal and cultural perspective. It houses beliefs, values, morality, and accepted practices. It influences culture, religion, upbringing, education, and personal experiences. Our worldview is the highest level of programming that affects the greatest number of people in any given region.
Example: A person with a secular worldview may interpret events through science and reason. Whereas someone with a religious worldview may see them through spiritual or divine lenses.
Paradigm
A paradigm is a framework that defines a particular field or way of thinking. It is commonly used in academic, scientific, or professional settings. It describes aspects of a particular cultural mindset or worldview. Our paradigm shifts over time due to discoveries or revolutions in thought (e.g., the shift from Newtonian physics to quantum mechanics). Our paradigm is the second-highest level of programming of the psyche. It applies to groups that share common beliefs and values, such as a religion.
Example: In business, a paradigm shift might involve moving from a hierarchical to a team-based structure.
Mindset
Our mindset is a set of attitudes or beliefs that shape how we think, feel, and behave in specific situations. Our mindset is more personal and situational and can be changed more easily than our worldview or paradigm. The mindset is most affected by the programming of our media. Our society, culture, family, friends, and authoritative associations influence our mindset. It also reflects the mechanisms of our personality and instincts. It is the individual level of programming that can be influenced by personal choice.
Example: Cultivating a universal mindset embraces challenges and learning. In contrast, tribal identities and mindsets are fixed and reject ideas that do not align with their beliefs and values.
The Tribal Mindset Characteristics and Consequences
The tribal paradigm and mindset are rooted in affiliation and loyalty. One’s group is often the centerpiece of values and attention. The group could be cultural, political, religious, ethnic, racial, or ideological. Tribal values and beliefs are learned. They are often the result of indoctrination, groupthink, and propaganda. While a tribal mindset promotes belonging and identity, it often leads to:
- Us vs. Them Thinking: Viewing outsiders as a threat or inferior.
- Echo Chambers: Reinforcing beliefs without questioning or dialogue.
- Resistance to Change: Prioritizing tradition over innovation.
- Conflict and Division: Polarization in politics, religion, and social issues.
Values: Loyalty, conformity, protectionism.
Beliefs: “My group is right,” “Others are dangerous or wrong.”
Behaviors: Groupthink, exclusion, defensiveness, and violence.
The Universal or Inclusive Mindset Characteristics and Potential
Promoting and cultivating a universal mindset transcends group boundaries and embraces shared humanity. It promotes:
- Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Equality: Promotes diverse perspectives.
- Valuing Different Cultures: Embracing different points of view.
- Critical Thinking: Evaluating ideas based on merit, not origin.
- Adaptability: Embracing change and complexity.
- Collaboration: Working across cultures and disciplines.
Values: Compassion, openness, empathy.
Beliefs: “We are all interconnected,” “Diversity enriches us.”
Behaviors: Dialogue, cooperation, innovation.
Summing up Embracing Different Viewpoints
All three levels shape how we perceive and respond to the world. They influence decision-making and behavior. Each mindset can evolve over time with new experiences or info
The top level of programming, the worldview, can dictate the beliefs, values, and opinions of many people. The second level of the paradigm is most often targeted by religion and politics. This becomes a base of followers, which is used to influence the top level. The individual level of the mindset is the target of a broad range of advertising and propaganda.
Why Cultivating a Universal Mindset Shift Is Critical
This mindset transition is critical for the survival of humanity and the planet for these reasons:
1. Global challenges require global thinking.
Climate change, pandemics, and inequality cannot be solved with tribal thinking. A universal or inclusive mindset promotes collective action.
2. Innovation thrives on diversity.
Cross-cultural collaboration leads to richer ideas and solutions. By embracing different viewpoints, we develop sustainable solutions.
3. Peace and stability depend on inclusion.
Reducing polarization and promoting understanding are essential for social harmony.
4. Personal growth and resilience.
The universal or inclusive mindset encourages lifelong learning and emotional intelligence.
Why Moving Beyond The Tribal Mindset Is So Hard
Moving beyond a tribal worldview can be challenging for several reasons. There are deep-rooted psychological, social, and cultural obstacles to overcome. Here are some of the key factors that make this transition difficult and what is needed to overcome them:
1. Identity and Belonging.
Tribal worldviews offer a strong sense of identity and community. Leaving that behind can feel like losing part of oneself or betraying one’s roots.
Religious followers will only consider new ideas from someone with similar beliefs. They are programmed to think within tribal boundaries. In many cases, it’s not their fault. Many people go through indoctrination at an early age in their families. Children and people in crisis are vulnerable to systematic brainwashing techniques. You can help them break free and become freethinkers.
What it takes to overcome:
- Develop a broader identity rooted in shared human values, not just group affiliation.
- Seek inclusive communities that celebrate diversity and personal growth.
- Practice self-reflection to understand your values beyond group labels.
2. Fear of the Unknown.
Tribal thinking simplifies the world into “us vs. them,” which feels safe. Expanding your worldview means facing complexity and uncertainty. Believers need to feel safe.
When people ask what you believe, they are asking, What is your tribe? The answer to this question tells them whether you are safe. You are safe if your beliefs are similar enough. Do you belong to the same tribe? They want to know if you share the same sacred ground, fears, and values.
What it takes to overcome:
- Cultivating a universal mindset promoting science-based research.
- Promoting curiosity of other cultures, and embracing different viewpoints and perspectives.
- Build emotional resilience to tolerate ambiguity and change.
- Engage in dialogue with people outside your group to humanize the “other.”
3. Social Pressure and Conformity.
Tribal groups often enforce strict norms around beliefs, behaviors, and loyalty. These norms are reinforced through social rewards for conformity and penalties for dissent.
Challenging the group’s worldview can lead to criticism, exclusion, or even hostility. People might worry about being seen as traitors, outsiders, or troublemakers. This fear can hurt them emotionally and socially. This pressure is strong in close communities. There, relationships and reputations are closely linked.
What it takes to overcome:
- Strengthen positive, inclusive values.
- Resist the influence of religious and political peer pressure and propaganda.
- Find allies and mentors who support independent thinking.
- Practice respectful dissent—learn to disagree without hostility.
4. Cognitive Biases.
In-group favoritism and confirmation bias make it difficult to accept new or opposing views.
Our brains are wired to favor our group. We seek information that confirms our beliefs. This includes biases like in-group favoritism. We tend to trust and prefer those who are like us. There’s also confirmation bias, where we notice or interpret information that supports our views.
Mental shortcuts help us make quick decisions. However, they also distort reality. It makes embracing different viewpoints difficult. The tribal mindset thrives on these biases, reinforcing division and resistance to change.
What it takes to overcome:
- Learn about cognitive biases to recognize them in your thinking.
- Expose yourself to diverse sources of information and viewpoints.
- Practice critical thinking and embracing different viewpoints.
- Question the cultural narrative and assumptions promoted by the media.
5. Historical and Cultural Narratives.
Long-standing myths and grievances shape tribal identities and justify division.
Tribal worldviews are rooted in historical stories, cultural myths, and shared memories. These narratives shape how groups view themselves and others. They often see their group as victims or heroes, while viewing outsiders as threats or oppressors.
These stories can be very emotional. They get passed down through generations and can justify division, resentment, or hostility. They foster a sense of moral righteousness and strengthen group loyalty. This makes it hard to question or change them without feeling disloyal or disconnected from one’s heritage.
What it takes to overcome:
- Study history from multiple perspectives to gain a fuller understanding.
- Challenge inherited narratives with evidence and empathy.
- Promote reconciliation and healing through storytelling and dialogue.
6. Emotional Attachment.
Tribal identities are tied to personal stories, family traditions, and cultural backgrounds. These connections are not just intellectual—they’re emotional. People grow up with stories, rituals, and values that shape their sense of self and belonging. These connections make moving beyond the tribal mindset difficult.
Letting go of tribal thinking can feel like betraying family or dishonoring ancestors. It may seem like abandoning what gave life meaning. This emotional weight makes it hard to question the worldview one was raised with, even when it’s limiting or divisive.
What it takes to overcome:
- Honor your roots while embracing growth and change.
- Redefine loyalty as commitment to truth and compassion, not blind allegiance.
- Create new traditions that reflect inclusive values.
7. Political and Economic Incentives.
Tribal divisions are often exploited by leaders and institutions for power or profit.
Today in the United States, tribal divisions are not limited to social phenomena. Tribal thinking is prominent among political leaders and media outlets. Economic interests actively exploit these relationships. The 2024 presidential election has widened ideological divides. As a result, both major parties now lean more on identity-based appeals. Fear-driven messaging is commonplace. Politicians often paint their opponents as more than rivals. They see them as real threats. This mindset creates an “us vs. them” feeling and drives tribalism.
Economically, media companies and social platforms profit from outrage and division. Content that provokes strong emotional reactions—especially anger and fear—drives ad revenue. This creates a feedback loop where polarizing narratives are amplified. At the same time, nuanced or bridge-building perspectives are drowned out. Embracing different viewpoints outside the politically or economically accepted policies is discouraged.
Additionally, policy incentives and funding structures benefit the wealthy. Long-term needs and social programs are used to pay for the tax breaks for the wealthy. Leaders avoid compromise or bipartisan cooperation because it risks alienating their wealthy donors.
What it takes to overcome:
- Moving beyond the tribal mindset is essential.
- Stay informed and skeptical of divisive rhetoric and propaganda.
- Support policies and leaders that promote unity and equity.
- Engage in civic action to build systems that reward cooperation over division.
- Promote civic education and media literacy. Help citizens assess political messages. Teach them to spot when fear or tribal appeals are used to manipulate them.
- Support independent journalism: Encourage media that prioritize truth, context, and complexity over sensationalism.
- Elect leaders who value unity. Vote for candidates who show a commitment to dialogue and bridge-building. Look for those who uphold institutional integrity, even when it’s hard.
- Reform political incentives. Advocate for changes like ranked-choice voting, campaign finance reform, and fair voting redistricting.
- Connect people from different backgrounds. Work together to solve common problems. Personal relationships can counteract the dehumanizing effects of political tribalism.
Conclusion: Cultivating the Universal Mindset
Moving beyond a tribal mindset doesn’t mean giving up who we are—it means growing into something larger. We can still honor our families, cultures, and histories while embracing a broader, more inclusive view of humanity. This shift is not easy, but it’s essential for building a more peaceful, connected, and compassionate world.
Here’s how we begin:
1. Self-awareness.
Notice when you’re thinking in “us vs. them” terms. Recognize your biases and ask yourself where they come from.
2. Education.
Learn about other cultures, histories, and perspectives. The more we understand others, the less we fear them.
3. Dialogue.
Talk with people who see the world differently. Listen with curiosity, not just to respond, but to understand.
4. Action.
Support policies, leaders, and movements that bring people together rather than divide them. Choose cooperation over conflict.
This journey is about expanding our circle of care—from our tribe to our community, to our nation, and ultimately to the whole human family.
ReferenceS
- Tribalism and universalism: Reflections and scientific evidence. Columbia University Press
- Beyond Tribalism: Managing Identities in a Diverse World. Springer
- Experiments in intergroup discrimination. Scientific American
- Social: Why Our Brains Are Wired to Connect. Crown Publishing