The First Step
The uncomfortable truth is that we are not separate from the world’s problems—we are entangled in them. The way we think, the choices we make, and the biases we carry contribute to the very issues we criticize.
Rather than seeing problems as external forces beyond our control, taking a hard look at ourselves is the first step toward real change. But how do we actually go about that self-examination?
This article explores four powerful ways we can examine ourselves—through an understanding that we may not be seeing the problems clearly, by relying on spiritual teachings, through empathy, and by questioning our internal narratives—each providing a different path toward greater self-awareness and responsibility.
Are We Seeing the Problem Clearly?
We often assume we see reality as it is, but psychology and history suggest otherwise—our perceptions are shaped by biases, assumptions, and inherited beliefs, distorting our understanding of the world and our place in it.
Consider a few everyday examples:
- Optical Illusions: A stick half-submerged in water appears bent due to light refraction—but it isn’t. This simple distortion reminds us that our senses don’t always show us the truth.
- Emotional Bias: When angry, a small inconvenience can feel like proof that “everything is going wrong,” even when, objectively, it’s just one bad moment.
- Cultural Conditioning: Many societies have instilled ideas of “us vs. them”, fostering beliefs that our way of life, values, or religion are superior. These assumptions can lead to division, prejudice, and resistance to seeing truth outside our comfort zones.
- Religious Beliefs: History is full of moments when religious conviction led to destructive outcomes, such as the burning of supposed witches in medieval Europe or forced conversions throughout history. Often, the fear of the unknown or the unwillingness to question dogma turned perception into justification for harm.
- Social Conformity: We tend to believe what people around us believe—whether it’s political ideology, traditions, or social norms. But is what we’ve been taught actually true, or just accepted without question?
These examples highlight an important truth: our experience of reality is not objective—it is constructed through interpretation, biases, and conditioning. Recognizing this opens the door to deeper self-awareness and the possibility of seeing the world—and ourselves—more clearly.
But we need to do more than merely open the door. We need to take proactive steps towards being part of the solution instead of being a part of the problem. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Relying on Wisdom from Spiritual Traditions
One way to examine ourselves is through the lens of spiritual wisdom, which has long emphasized self-examination, humility, and personal accountability as paths toward greater clarity. Each tradition offers a unique way to challenge our assumptions and recognize how we shape reality.
- Buddhism: The Buddha taught that suffering arises not just from external causes but from attachment, ignorance, and the illusion of self. By practicing mindfulness, we become more aware of how our perceptions shape reality—and how letting go of rigid attachments helps us see truth more clearly.
- Hinduism: The concept of maya suggests that reality isn’t as fixed as we think—it’s veiled by illusion. Hindu teachings encourage self-awareness and detachment from ego-driven thinking, helping individuals move past false perceptions to deeper wisdom.
- Islam: The inner struggle, jihad al-nafs, emphasizes purifying the self—removing arrogance, greed, and destructive impulses that distort judgment. Islam teaches that by refining our inner character, we align more closely with truth.
- Christianity: Jesus taught humility, self-reflection, and repentance, urging people to remove the “plank in their own eye” before judging others. Christianity reminds us that personal transformation—through love and forgiveness—clarifies our perspective.
- Judaism: Jewish teachings emphasize self-examination, moral accountability, and tikkun olam (repairing the world). The idea that human responsibility plays a central role in shaping reality encourages individuals to confront their own flaws and actively work toward justice and truth.
These traditions, at their core, encourage self-awareness and a deeper understanding of one’s role in shaping the world. Unfortunately, history has shown that religious conviction can sometimes be twisted into justification for rigid certainty—the belief that “I am right and everyone else is wrong.” When spirituality becomes a weapon for division rather than a path to understanding, it reinforces the very illusions that these traditions warn against.
How we arrived at using religion as a justification for the attitude of “I’m right and you’re wrong” has a lot to do with human nature—our tendency to seek certainty, belonging, and validation for our beliefs. Over time, religious teachings have sometimes been interpreted in ways that reinforce division rather than encourage self-reflection. Cultural influences, historical conflicts, and the desire for power have all contributed to this distortion.
But the underlying truth is that these traditions were never intended to serve as weapons for superiority—they challenge us to see our role in shaping reality, question our assumptions, and cultivate a mindset of personal responsibility.
Achieving Greater Empathy by Putting Ourselves in Someone Else’s Shoes
Another powerful way to examine ourselves is to see the world through someone else’s perspective.
We often assume that our experiences, struggles, and beliefs are the default way of seeing reality—but stepping outside of our own viewpoint can be deeply revealing.
- Empathy Challenges Bias: When we actively listen to others, we start recognizing how our assumptions about them might be wrong or incomplete.
- Walking in Another’s Reality: Many people judge lifestyles, beliefs, and circumstances they’ve never experienced. But true self-examination means asking whether we are misjudging others based on ignorance.
- History Reveals Blind Spots: Many injustices—racism, sexism, classism—persist because people refuse to see how they benefit from systems that disadvantage others.
Examining ourselves through the lens of another person’s experience forces us to see where we contribute to division, misunderstanding, or harm—whether consciously or not.
Questioning the Stories We Tell Ourselves
We all carry stories—about ourselves, about others, and about how the world works. But are they true?
- The Victim Narrative: Do we frame ourselves as helpless victims while ignoring how our choices impact our circumstances?
- The “I Know Best” Illusion: Are we open to new information, or do we dismiss opposing viewpoints because they challenge what we already believe?
- The “People Never Change” Story: Have we convinced ourselves that certain individuals or groups are unchangeable, when in reality, growth and change are always possible?
Self-examination means questioning the narratives we cling to, recognizing when they limit growth, justify division, or distort reality.
A Different World Starts Here
Rather than waiting for the world to change, maybe we can be a part of causing the change we’ve been waiting for. Imagine, for instance, how things might be better if we embraced the ideas explored in this article. For example, what if…
- If we saw the problem more clearly, our decisions wouldn’t be dictated by illusion—we’d approach life with greater awareness and fewer unconscious biases.
- If we relied on spiritual wisdom, we’d seek humility and self-examination rather than rigid certainty or superiority.
- If we put ourselves in someone else’s shoes, empathy would replace hostility, making space for more understanding and connection.
- If we questioned our own narratives, we’d free ourselves from limiting stories and see more possibilities for growth and transformation.
The Hardest Truth to Accept
The world’s problems are not just “out there”—they live in our assumptions, our habits, and our refusal to see our own role in them.
We don’t just witness reality—we help construct it. By examining the illusions we hold and making conscious changes, we move toward real transformation—not just for ourselves, but for the world around us.
Facing this truth may be uncomfortable, but it’s necessary. Because, like it or not, we’re all part of the problem.
Books:
- Radical Honesty by Brad Blanton – A guide to self-awareness and truthfulness.
- The Lies We Tell Ourselves by Jon Frederickson – Examines self-deception and personal growth.
- The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle – Encourages deep self-reflection and presence.
- The Courage to Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi & Fumitake Koga – Challenges ingrained beliefs and self-perception.
Websites & Articles:
- Telling the Truth to Yourself – Explores the importance of self-honesty.
- The Power of Belief: Challenging the Stories We Tell Ourselves – Examines how beliefs shape reality.
