Rebel with a Cause: Rethinking Aggression & Empathy
We Are Here
Astrophysicists like Stephen Hawking warned that human aggression and the misuse of technology could lead to the downfall of civilization. Biotechnology, nuclear weapons, and artificial intelligence are already being weaponized through political rhetoric and could be fully embraced by aggressive individuals or groups in the future.
Corporations make extraordinary profits, but their behaviors—like dumping hazardous substances into waterways and disposing of waste in oceans or landfills—pose existential threats as populations increase. Future pandemics, pathogens, super viruses, cyber warfare, toxins in food and water supplies, and limited energy resources could lead to mass migration and increased conflict as competition for basic human needs intensifies.
Hawking emphasized empathy and cooperation as ways to overcome aggression. This, too, is within our grasp. We are here.
We tend to like the bad guys in movies, and in real life, they gain our sympathy because their rebellious nature resonates with our need to express ourselves. But real-life bad guys are genuinely harmful—and that’s bad for us all. When we sit down and fess up, speak authentically from the deeper parts of us, we can learn to express our own anger and frustration in more productive ways, and also learn to forgive ourselves and each other. We can drop the hate. We can drop the acts of violence.
That’s free thinking, non-conformism, critical thinking, and authenticity at its best. They say we can’t prove love is a field in physics, but can we? We are here.
People like us—highly sensitive, free-thinking, non-conformist types—routinely live between different realities. We are optimists, sensitive to discrepancies and fractures in the continuous flow of information. We often sense when something doesn't add up.
For example, if someone claims the Earth is flat, we ask for clarifications: What’s at the edge of this flat world? Shouldn’t we be able to reach this edge in the modern world of transportation? What lies beyond it? Curiosity drives free thinking and freedom.
Every generation needs both a stable core of individuals who embrace norms that maintain safety, security, critical thinking, and learning standards, and those with the curiosity to challenge old beliefs and patterns. We must be willing to engage with different aspects of our lives.
Education and awareness begin when we integrate empathy and the importance of understanding others’ perspectives to create a foundation for a more compassionate society. People are often inspired by the actions around them. If we model positive behaviors, we can influence others to follow suit.
Telling our story highlights the importance of empathy and compassion. A story can convey a powerful message and demonstrate the impact of these values. Social media platforms build a sense of community, and though they often spread misinformation, they can also spread messages of hope, empathy, and compassion. Even small models and influential voices can reach a wide audience, fostering mindfulness and reflection.
Encouraging respectful dialogue about our experiences and including each other helps support mental health. Promoting the well-being of others fosters social justice, equity, and overall societal health, addressing issues like gun violence prevention, addiction, and hate crimes.
Celebrating and embracing diversity in all its forms can be both simple and complex. Exposure to different cultures and lifestyles, for example when we travel to places on our bucket list, teaches us that we don’t hold the only right or wrong point of view.
Changing society takes time, but by broadening our thinking to include diverse viewpoints from different sources—news stations, religious perspectives, cultures, age groups, and locations—we can collectively work toward a world where we feel safe and energetic about participating. Embracing this diversity enriches our understanding and helps us grow together. We are here.
Where’s your reality?