The remarkable aspect is not that human societies disintegrate, but rather that we, as humans, are capable of forming cohesive groups exceeding a few hundred individuals at all—a feat no other primate species can achieve. Chimpanzee communities typically comprise 40-50 members; baboon groups might reach 200. The unique capabilities of human brains facilitate a remarkable , enabling the formation of cohesive groups comprising thousands or even millions of individuals.

Yet, these identical potent forces that foster every human society—including modern American society—always carry the risk of spiraling out of control. This danger is further compounded by the strenuous effort our brain, encased within a bony skull, must exert to anchor us to reality. Its inherent processes render every society vulnerable to those who intentionally sow discord. Nevertheless, as humans, we also possess the capacity to comprehend how this phenomenon occurs… to understand our own cognitive processes.

To begin, consider this somewhat perplexing notion: Identities play a role in shaping cultures concurrently with cultures playing a role in shaping identities. Distinct neural systems within the brain assist you in addressing the inquiry, “Who am I?” These systems generate your social self, which pertains to your perception of how others perceive you—and which can be exploited to instigate division, because an inevitable consequence of affiliating with a group is the tendency to view others as external to that group, or as belonging to a separate one.

Fortunately, your identity encompasses more than just the social self. Our brains also generate a narrative self. This is the self that integrates the various segments of your past life to ground you in the present and project you into the future. Furthermore, this self has the capacity to extend beyond existing groups. Or, even better, it can help create larger, more accommodating ones.

An extreme illustration from a challenging context: In post-World War Two Germany, individuals who had been active Nazis received assistance to —the comprehensive narrative of their past, present, and potential future. This was achieved not by evading memories of their history, but by judiciously adopting elements of their personal narratives, enabling them to become proud citizens of a conservative West Germany focused on economic prosperity.

Contemporary American society is markedly different from post-war Germany, but it is undeniably . Simply demanding that anyone from the “opposing side” completely abandon their past will prove ineffective. Whether one identifies with “MAGA” or “BLM,” these affiliations form integral parts of individuals’ narratives. However, a more encompassing inquiry— “Who am I as an American?”—should aim to synthesize components from both perspectives.

How can we achieve this? One approach involves focusing on how we think. This capacity distinguishes us from chimpanzees and baboons. Humans possess the capability to recognize, for instance, that we develop habitual thought patterns or selectively listen to information. Metacognition, defined as “thinking about thinking,” is rooted in the frontal pole, the most developed human region of your brain, situated behind your forehead. It enables you to pause, introspect, and critically assess your own interpretations of what you perceive, feel, and think.

Most wonderfully, *everyone* has the potential to improve their metacognitive abilities. Straightforward techniques include adopting a third-person viewpoint when considering oneself. Another method, exemplified by the astute leader Winston Churchill during World War Two, is to surround oneself with individuals who offer constructive challenges. Historically, from ancient Greece to China, self-reflection has consistently been a cornerstone of *wisdom*.

Wisdom will be essential in our current era. Disagreement can easily escalate, potentially resulting in violence. In contemporary America, violent threats directed at both the political left and right are in frequency compared to two decades ago. As outlined in a recent Trump Administration document, nations such as China, Russia, and Iran actively exploit divisions within American society to weaken it. Countering powerful foreign entities necessitates, in part, competent agencies equipped with technologies like artificial intelligence to identify and neutralize these threats—while always conducted in manners . Nevertheless, a critical element of any defense system is always the engaged citizen: *you*.

What actions can a conscientious citizen undertake? Through the choices we make on social media, in the workplace, and within our communities, we all contribute to the cyclical relationship between identity and culture in our societies. Metacognition is fundamental to making more judicious decisions—it involves pausing and reflecting before deciding whether to: assert ourselves when necessary, refrain from needlessly intensifying conflicts, or seek common ground where feasible. On social media, a primary breeding ground for societal strife, reflection prior to reaction serves as the for more judicious responses.

Is metacognition—the process of thinking about one’s own thoughts—flawless? No, but it is an extraordinary tool and represents our most promising avenue.