Identity

Identity is the deepest craving of the human spirit. But how do we transform it from a force of division into one of unity?

1. The Thirst for Recognition Drives Human Behavior

Humans thrive on feeling valued and respected. This innate craving for recognition has been a core part of human nature since ancient times. Socrates identified this desire as "thymos," a part of the soul seeking dignity and respect from others. Without it, individuals can feel angry or ashamed.

This need for dignity plays out not only in personal lives but also in politics. For instance, identity politics arises from groups struggling for acknowledgment of their worth and status in society. Thymos, therefore, is not only about personal esteem but also collective pride and fairness.

A great example is the gay marriage movement. Advocates of same-sex marriage aren't merely seeking legal benefits—they want equal treatment and acknowledgment of their relationships as equal to heterosexual unions. This fight underscores how recognition is a universal and persistent human desire.

Examples

• Greek philosophers like Socrates emphasized "thymos" as a distinct, recognition-driven part of humanity.
• The global push for same-sex marriage stemmed from demands for equal dignity beyond legal rights.
• People who feel undervalued often unite to challenge social structures, like in civil rights movements.

2. Individualism Shapes Modern Identity

Our concept of personal identity is tied to the rise of individualism over the last five centuries. Philosophers like Martin Luther and Jean-Jacques Rousseau formalized this belief. Luther emphasized the individual's personal connection with God, bypassing institutions. Meanwhile, Rousseau painted the internal self as a sacred space, often at odds with societal rules.

The Protestant Reformation initiated this shift, encouraging individuals to challenge authority and organize their lives based on internal faith. Later, the economic and technological revolutions in Europe, such as the printing press and trade expansion, created opportunities for people to build distinctive lives.

Today, modern identity revolves around choice—whether it’s the clothes we wear or the values we espouse. This personalization began centuries ago, with individualism flowering when people started to step outside societal constraints and follow personal inner truths.

Examples

• Lutheranism made faith a private affair, fostering early individualism.
• Rousseau mistrusted societal norms, arguing they restricted personal growth.
• The printing press and global trade in Europe allowed new social classes and choices to emerge.

3. The French Revolution Ignited Identity Politics

The French Revolution wasn’t just about liberty and equality—it also redefined political identity. Its cry for dignity demanded not only individual recognition but also collective acknowledgment. Citizens overthrew oppressive classes, demanding equality in governance and law.

This revolution introduced two strands of identity politics: one advocating individual dignity and the other promoting collective group identity. Individuals demanded governments recognize their worth, but they also sought to merge personal freedoms with societal commitment. This dual legacy of the French Revolution still influences modern democracies.

For example, many constitutions explicitly recognize human dignity, like the German Basic Law, which declares, "The dignity of man is inviolable." Similarly, groups from countries under colonial rule often drew strength from a shared identity to challenge oppressors.

Examples

• The French Revolution emphasized both personal freedoms and common identity.
• Modern laws, such as South Africa’s constitution, affirm inherent dignity for all.
• The tricolor flag became a unifying emblem of collective French pride.

4. Nationalism as Identity Politics

Nationalism uses identity politics to rally collective identities around culture and language rather than just governance. Johann Gottfried Herder argued that cultural uniqueness stemmed from geographical influences, pushing Germans to celebrate their culture rather than mimic others.

This form of nationalism, while fostering pride, has caused harm in history. Leaders in the 20th century, like Hitler, weaponized nationalism to justify atrocities. Similarly, religious identities can create fractures and exclusion, as seen among Muslim youth in European countries facing unemployment and discrimination.

Balancing collective identity with inclusivity remains a challenge. While nationalism has united people around shared values, it often risks excluding and marginalizing those who don’t fit the mainstream.

Examples

• Herder encouraged German pride, fostering identities tied to language and culture.
• Hitler manipulated nationalism to fuel division and violence.
• Muslim youths in Europe illustrate modern identity struggles in marginalization and belonging.

5. Governments Now Shape Emotional Well-being

Liberal democracies have evolved to care for citizens' mental health alongside their legal rights. Earlier, governments ensured infrastructure and basic freedoms, but the "therapeutic turn" after World War II turned states into guardians of psychological welfare.

Psychologists promoted mental health treatment, and governments recognized the need to build citizens’ confidence. This shift extended to public acknowledgment, as marginalized groups now began demanding equal respect from governments. Recognizing dignity became central to state policies.

For example, programs targeting marginalized communities, such as increased funding for mental health services, are modern reflections of this therapeutic turn. Governments have become stewards not just of law and order, but also public self-esteem.

Examples

• Post-war policies integrated mental health care into societal frameworks.
• Marginalized groups began seeking self-esteem boosts through state action.
• Counseling and therapy received increasing government support.

6. Activist Movements Reshaped Identity Politics

The 1960s saw social activism bring marginalized groups into focus. Campaigns led by figures like Martin Luther King Jr. exemplified a collective desire for recognition. As societal focus shifted from individual identities to group identities, movements flourished.

But these movements became multifaceted. Some, like King’s civil rights efforts, promoted assimilation and equality with dominant groups. In contrast, others embraced separatism, urging members to take pride in unique cultural identities. Gay rights and radical racial movements in the late 1960s marked this transition.

The Stonewall Riots, for example, were a turning point for gay activism, signaling frustration with exclusion and radical self-assertion. Whether peaceful or confrontational, 1960s movements spotlighted the importance of belonging for marginalized communities.

Examples

• The civil rights movement began with calls for racial equality under Martin Luther King Jr.
• Radical groups like the Black Panthers pushed for pride in unique cultural identities.
• The Stonewall Riots symbolized a broader shift from acceptance to self-affirmation.

7. Division in Left-wing Politics

Identity politics often fragments broader coalitions. Once united in fighting economic inequality, the political left has splintered into interest groups focused on smaller causes. This division weakens movements meant to serve the majority.

For instance, wealth inequality has ballooned globally, with the richest 10 percent controlling over 75 percent of wealth in the US. Yet leftist groups, preoccupied with narrower identity campaigns, have struggled to address systemic issues impacting broader swathes of people.

Building solidarity across groups—like uniting the working class, irrespective of race or gender—can amplify efforts to tackle wealth disparities. But for now, narrower identity campaigns often divide potential coalitions.

Examples

• Support for left-wing parties dropped in Europe from 36 percent in 1993 to 21 percent in 2017.
• US wealth inequality grew dramatically since 1989, reflecting fractured attention.
• Divided identity campaigns contrast with inclusive historical leftist coalitions.

8. Inclusive Identities Build Stronger Nations

The answer isn’t abandoning identity but making it inclusive. Strong national identities based on shared liberal values pave the way for more unified societies. Patriotism rooted in equality creates trust, ensuring people identify with their nation rather than smaller groups.

Inclusivity strengthens nations economically and socially. States with fractured identities often suffer corruption or inefficiency. By contrast, a shared identity fosters cooperation and trust, boosting economies and governance.

Russia’s support for separatist movements in Europe, like Catalonia, highlights why unified national values matter. When divided, countries are more vulnerable politically and economically, reinforcing the necessity of broader collective identities.

Examples

• National identity can increase trust and decrease corruption among politicians.
• Countries with fractured identities, like Spain with its Catalonian movement, face division threats.
• Shared trust underpins functional states and thriving economies.

9. Policy Changes Can Redefine Identity

Actionable steps can make identity more inclusive. Removing systemic racism or sexism, for instance, shifts the attention of campaigns toward broader change. Similarly, promoting language integration for immigrants builds both inclusion and stability.

France’s failure to integrate immigrant youth serves as a cautionary tale; high unemployment has bred alienation and unrest. Policies like secularizing school curricula and introducing national service could help foster unity and share common values.

Inclusion policies enable marginalized communities to see themselves as integrated members of a nation. With this sense of belonging, society can function cohesively to bring about transformative change.

Examples

• France’s immigrant youth face a stark unemployment rate, hampering integration.
• Secular schools could unite students through shared secular values.
• Compulsory national service builds cooperation across groups.

Takeaways

1. Foster inclusivity by advocating for systemic changes—promote broader equity beyond specific groups.
2. Support policies that bring people together, like national service or common educational curricula.
3. Avoid polarizing divisions by focusing on shared principles and interests across diverse groups.