I recently read On Politics by Alan Ryan, and a sentence in the introduction really stood out to me: “I am uncomfortable with the thought that serious thinkers about politics may retire into the ivory tower and write difficult—if often very interesting—essays and books for their colleagues alone.” This sentiment echoes Plato’s warning that a significant divide between the intellectual elite and those shaping policy can lead to a situation where cowards do the thinking while fools engage in the fighting. It’s a crucial idea to consider, especially as society’s roles expand, fostering detachment and isolation that can have dire consequences.

The concept of group division in any society is both divisive and dangerous. One of the primary threats America faces today is extreme polarization, which undeniably poses a significant risk to the nation’s future. This stems from a fundamental yet often overlooked aspect of division: the act of dividing itself.

We often view group classification as benign, but such divisions can lead to an “us versus them” mentality. This polarization compounds over time, escalating until it reaches a breaking point where violence and hatred emerge. This response doesn’t arise from inherent hatred but rather from a fundamental aspect of human nature: a tendency to fear what is unfamiliar and unknown. Thus, prejudice against another group is not an innate trait but a result of self-imposed division. Ultimately, we must recognize that this is not the work of some mysterious evil force, but rather a consequence of our own actions.

Division becomes even more dangerous when those in power isolate themselves in their “ivory towers.” Imagine a scenario where policymakers fail to recognize you as a fellow human being. What are the consequences? This often leads to situations seen in authoritarian regimes, such as under Mao, where leaders are willing to subject their people to horrific atrocities—acts they would rarely inflict upon real human beings. Isolation fosters this dehumanization.

Those in power mustn’t retreat into their elevated positions, viewing themselves as far removed from those they are meant to serve. This disconnect can lead to a belief that others lack the competence to participate in governance.

We must all strive to avoid artificial divisions. This is not a condemnation of communities like Chinatowns, but rather a warning that isolating ourselves within our own circles can lead to the dehumanization of others, with devastating consequences for society as a whole. Ultimately, we must remember that we are all Americans, part of the same collective, not sworn enemies. Division and dehumanization originate in the human mind, so the solution must arise from the same source.

Cover Photo by Jaylan