Imagine, for a moment

– close your eyes and picture the people you love most. See their faces, hear their laughter. Imagine the life they live, their dreams, their joys, and even their struggles. Now ask yourself: how far would you go to protect them? What would you sacrifice to ensure their happiness, safety, and freedom? How much does their well-being mean to you?

Now, take a step back and consider this: the same fierce love you feel for those dear to you is felt by people all over the world. Every person you’ve ever passed on the street, every stranger you’ve glimpsed in a crowd, and every individual across the globe is someone’s beloved. Each of us is woven into a vast, intricate web of relationships, connected through our shared experiences as human beings. We all know love, loss, fear, and hope. And yet, despite this common thread that binds us, there’s a powerful force that continues to separate us: Nationalism.

This wasn’t something I originally planned to write or share, but I felt it needed to be put into words. If this post makes even one person pause, reflect, and consider a new perspective, then sharing this was worth it.

Nationalism and the False Divides It Creates

Nationalism taps into a very deep-rooted tribal instinct, one that humans have carried from our earliest days of forming groups for survival. But what was once a way to protect one’s tribe from immediate physical danger has evolved into a mechanism for division—creating arbitrary boundaries that justify conflict, exploitation, and the hoarding of resources.

Nationalism, at its root, is a sense of pride in one’s country, a feeling of loyalty and devotion. On the surface, it can seem harmless—even positive. But nationalism often goes further than pride; it starts to draw lines. It turns “us” into “us versus them.” It paints borders in our minds and reinforces ideas that “we” are somehow separate, different, even superior to “them.” And when it does, nationalism becomes more than just a sense of pride; it becomes a barrier.

Throughout history, nationalism has often been a rallying cry, used to justify everything from minor prejudices to major conflicts. It thrives on creating an “other,” a faceless group we can blame for our troubles or view as a threat to our way of life. It feeds on fear and suspicion, sometimes going so far as to dehumanize those outside our borders, making it easier to ignore their pain and dismiss their suffering. When we see others as “less than” or somehow unworthy of the same compassion we extend to our own, we’re closing ourselves off from our shared humanity.

The human tendency to accumulate power, wealth, and resources is often justified through nationalism. Leaders stoke nationalist fervor to legitimize their own greed and ambitions. Resources that could be used to alleviate poverty or address global issues like climate change are instead funneled into military spending and border enforcement.

People often ignore the reality that nations and borders are historically transient. The lines we defend so fiercely today didn’t even exist a few hundred years ago. Nations rise and fall, borders shift, and entire civilizations evolve. Clinging to the present configuration of a map is to ignore the ever-changing, fluid nature of human history.

Nationalism vs. Global Compassion:
The Choice Ahead

The world today is more connected than ever. Technology allows us to see and hear stories from people across the globe. We can learn about each other in ways previous generations never could. Yet, at the same time, nationalism is on the rise. Fear, division, and hatred are growing. People are retreating into their national identities, building walls instead of bridges.

The question is: What kind of future do we want to build? Do we want a world that divides us, where our pride in our own culture blinds us to the beauty in others? Or do we want to cultivate a world where understanding and empathy are paramount, where we strive to see beyond borders and appreciate the richness of human diversity?

The Beauty of Humanity

Despite all the struggles and flaws, there’s an immense beauty in humanity—and it’s worth noting. There are moments of extraordinary compassion, creativity, and collaboration that show us what we could be at our best. You see it in moments of global solidarity, in art that transcends cultural boundaries, and in individuals and groups working tirelessly to create positive change.

The tragedy—and the hope—is that we have the capacity to choose a better way. We have the potential to live in a world that prioritizes collective well-being over individual accumulation. We see glimpses of this in the generosity of people helping others in times of disaster, in the pursuit of scientific progress for the good of all, and in the movements that challenge greed and oppression.

It’s this tension between humanity’s potential for beauty and our tendency toward self-destruction that makes these issues so important to explore. It’s possible to imagine a world where nationalism is obsolete, where we’ve evolved beyond greed, and where technological advances like replicators or renewable energy are used to create abundance for everyone.

Our Shared Humanity

At its best, empathy is the antidote to division. Empathy allows us to see that, just as we would go to any length to protect those we love, so too would every person on this planet. When we take the time to truly understand others—not just their cultures or customs, but their fears, their dreams, and their need for safety and connection—we can start to break down the artificial walls nationalism creates.

What would it look like to live in a world where borders were less important than bonds? Where instead of “us and them,” we saw one interconnected human family? What if we embraced the idea that every person, regardless of nationality, deserves the same compassion and consideration that we give to those we hold close?

Choosing compassion over nationalism is not an easy path. It requires courage to break out of the patterns we’ve inherited. It demands that we confront our own biases and be willing to question beliefs we may have held for a long time. But if we do this—if we open ourselves to the humanity in everyone—we have a chance to create a world that is kinder, more just, and more united.

This isn’t about erasing culture or losing our sense of identity. Far from it. It’s about expanding that identity. It’s about recognizing that while our nationality is one part of who we are, it is not all we are. We are also part of a global community, bound together by our shared experiences and our common needs.

Embrace Empathy

True understanding lies in the questions we choose to ask. When we take the time to ask why someone feels the way they do, or what they hope for, we open the door to empathy. And empathy, in turn, allows us to see that every person on this planet is worthy of love, respect, and dignity. It allows us to challenge nationalism’s narrow perspective and replace it with a broader, more inclusive view.

I invite you to reflect on the people you hold dear, and then to take a moment to consider that others feel the same depth of love for their own. Let this understanding guide you in seeing beyond borders, beyond differences, and beyond fear. As sappy as this may sound, in the end, we are all connected, and our shared humanity is far more powerful than any boundary.

And yes, is empathy hard when you’re late, traffic is crazy, and that car comes zipping in front of you just to cut you off? It sure it. But, being able to show grace in those situations, to be able to see another person who may be struggling in their own right and have empathy during a time of your frustration, that is the real test. When you catch yourself judging someone else because of their differences, but stop yourself and change your thinking to consider their similarities. That is empathy.

Action Steps

Creating a more compassionate and unified world doesn’t require grand gestures; it begins with small, everyday choices.

Here are a few ways you can make a difference:

Seek Out Diverse Stories
Make a habit of learning about the experiences and perspectives of people from different cultures and backgrounds. Read books, watch documentaries, and engage with media that offer insights into other ways of life. The more we expose ourselves to diverse stories, the more we see our common humanity.

Practice Active Listening
When talking with people who have different viewpoints, focus on listening more than speaking. Rather than planning your response, try to fully understand where they’re coming from. This practice not only builds empathy but also helps break down preconceived notions and biases.

Challenge Stereotypes and Speak Out Against Prejudice
Notice when you or others make assumptions based on nationality, culture, or background. Challenge these stereotypes by asking questions and, when appropriate, speaking up. Small moments of awareness can shift perspectives and help us all see beyond divisive labels.

Connect with a Global Community
Use technology to connect with people from different parts of the world. Social media platforms, online forums, and global events offer opportunities to engage in discussions and learn from others. The more we connect, the less “foreign” others feel.

Expand Your Definition of “We”
When thinking about community or belonging, try to include a broader range of people. Instead of defining “we” by nationality or background, consider it in terms of shared values, dreams, and humanity. Embracing an inclusive “we” helps us see the world as a collective family.

Practice Empathy in Everyday Life
Empathy isn’t just for big issues; it’s a daily practice. Show kindness to strangers, try to understand the struggles of people you may not know personally, and remind yourself that everyone you encounter is facing their own challenges. Small acts of compassion can have ripple effects.

Support Causes That Promote Global Unity
If you’re able, contribute to organizations that work for cross-cultural understanding, refugee support, or global aid. Volunteering or supporting these causes can give you a firsthand understanding of the challenges people face worldwide and how we can help one another.

Question Assumptions About Nationalism
Reflect on how nationalism shapes your beliefs about “us” and “them.” Ask yourself how much of your identity is tied to nationality, and consider what it would look like to expand that identity. By questioning these assumptions, we can free ourselves from the limitations of narrow thinking.

Encourage Empathy in Your Community
Whether in conversations with friends, at work, or within your family, share the importance of empathy and unity. Inspire others to look beyond borders and to appreciate the value of every human being. Change often starts in small, local circles.

In the end, true understanding—like the best stories—begins with the questions we’re willing to ask. When we approach the world with curiosity rather than judgment, we’re choosing to step beyond the narrow confines of borders, labels, and old divisions. Just as the heroes of our favorite books and shows discover, seeking truth often requires facing uncomfortable realities, but it’s this search that leads to growth, empathy, and ultimately, a better world.

As we keep reading, questioning, and sharing ideas, let’s remember that the galaxy (our own included) has always been filled with challenges—but also with possibility. We may not have the Force, but we do have a choice: to see each other fully, as fellow travelers, all with our unique stories. Because, as any true nerd knows, hope is not a passive thing—it’s the spark that ignites change.