How Seeing the Good in People Can Help Bridge Our Differences

How Seeing the Good in People Can Help Bridge Our Differences
Seeing goodness affirms something about the world, and how we should act within it. Anna Kraynova/Shutterstock
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Americans seem awfully divided these days. Everywhere I look, I see signs of antagonism and conflict between groups—and many politicians seem intent on making it worse. Perhaps that’s why a recent USA Today poll revealed that many voters consider their political opponents to be hateful, stupid, or racist.

What are the solutions? There are many, no doubt, but here’s one to consider: moral elevation. That’s the “warm, uplifting feeling that people experience when they see unexpected acts of human goodness, kindness, courage, or compassion,” according to psychologist Jonathan Haidt, now the Thomas Cooley Professor of Ethical Leadership at the NYU Stern School of Business.
Jill Suttie
Jill Suttie
Author
Jill Suttie, Psy.D., is Greater Good’s former book review editor and now serves as a staff writer and contributing editor for the magazine. This article was republished from the Greater Good online magazine.
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