Lamentations 20:24
Like many, I’ve been grieving. I’m white hot angry. As a straight, white, male, I’m embarrassed. I’m sad and scared for those I love who are now more at risk than ever. I’m not proud at all that I was prescient about the influence of the Donkey Boys on the election. But I also have a sharp resolve; an even deeper commitment to use my gifts, my voice, and my platform.
Over the past few days, I’ve also been aware of the life-long impulse to intellectually bypass big feelings. I wanted to analyze, unpack, post-mortem, watch the game film. But I didn’t do that. I just felt my feelings. I reached out to the people I love who feel the same. I waited for the swelling to go down before engaging my analytical brain.
But it is now time to intellectualize; to examine the key question that millions of Americans (and people around the world) are asking: “What the fuck happened?”
The 2024 re-election of Donald Trump has left much of America bewildered, frustrated, and in many cases, deeply disillusioned. But beyond partisan squabbles and electoral consequences, Trump’s win is emblematic of a more pervasive issue in the American psyche: low consciousness. By "low consciousness," I mean a shallow, reactionary mindset that prioritizes short-term gains, fear, and division over long-term solutions, unity, and empathy. To understand the forces at work the results of this election, we must unpack how low consciousness manifests across three interwoven dimensions: intellectual, spiritual, and social.
These themes transcend the usual red-versus-blue divides; in fact, low consciousness doesn’t belong to any one ideology. It appears on both ends of the political spectrum, often masquerading as values, while rooted in primal instincts that drive our behavior. This election cycle, we saw clear evidence of this dynamic—how low consciousness in our intellectual, spiritual, and social lives led to the outcome we now face. And, importantly, if we are to reverse course, we need a higher path forward, one exemplified in part by the rise of conscious entrepreneurism, a movement that prioritizes the well-being of society over sheer profit or power.
America’s Misunderstandings and Low-Consciousness Drivers
To understand the implications of the 2024 election, we first need to recognize some fundamental misunderstandings in our culture that drive low consciousness. For example, many believe that the government exists to be a reflection of our personal values rather than protecting our rights for our personal beliefs. This attitude fuels division, as citizens expect leaders to cater exclusively to their own convictions without compromise. Many also lack systems thinking when it comes to race, gender, and poverty, failing to see how these issues interconnect and affect everyone in society.
Another misconception is that “it’s just politics,” a phrase used to excuse the mudslinging, fear-mongering, and moral compromise so often found in political life. In truth, politics reflects our values—or, perhaps, our lack thereof. Voting is not just an exercise in self-interest; it’s a statement about what kind of world we want to build. Yet, too often, voters choose candidates based on narrow self-interest, casting ballots in favor of those who promise to protect them from the issues they don’t feel affect them directly. This leads to an acceptance of dehumanization, demonizing others in the name of politics, religion, or national pride. The concept of “namaste”—a respect for the dignity in each person—is lost, along with any real intellectual, spiritual, or social consciousness.
Primal Power vs Conscious Power
When people vote their primal instincts but call it their “values,” they’re often responding to a narrow, instinctual view of power. Power, seen through this lens, is less about collective empowerment or stewardship and more about control, security, or dominance—someone to “fight for us” or “protect what’s ours.” In this framework, power is something to wield against perceived threats, a shield to reinforce comfort zones or tribal identities.
This reactive perception of power is driven by a desire for certainty and a fear of change, leading people to choose leaders who promise quick, decisive action rather than nuanced solutions. It prioritizes leaders who assert control, viewing strength in terms of authority over others rather than empowerment for all. Voting from primal instincts tends to equate power with protection and hierarchy, rather than with responsibility and unity.
When voters equate power with dominance or protection, they choose leaders who promise control rather than collaboration. Primal instincts drive them to defend comfort zones and tribal identities. A fatal error of the Harris campaign was not putting her prosecutor background on full display. Other than the debate (where she beat Trump’s ass), we didn’t get to see that. She should have gone on Rogan and Theo’s podcast. She should have done more debate-style discussions (like Pete Buttigieg does so masterfully). But she didn’t do this - and to lower conscious voters it appeared to be weakness.
Conscious people recognize these impulses but don’t let them dictate their choices. They see power as a shared resource, something to be used responsibly to elevate everyone, not just to defend or secure personal interests. In a high-consciousness view, power isn’t about drawing lines or fortifying borders but about expanding understanding and creating inclusive solutions that benefit the whole.
Let’s break this down by the three primary types of consciousness:
Intellectual Consciousness: The capacity to think critically, embrace complexity, and pursue truth beyond personal biases or simple answers.
Spiritual Consciousness: The ability to transcend ego, foster empathy, and act in alignment with higher values that serve the collective good.
Social Consciousness: The awareness of and commitment to creating a fair, inclusive, and collaborative society that uplifts all its members.
Intellectual Consciousness: From Soundbites to Shallow Thinking
In a society where intellectual consciousness is high, voters would approach the ballot with critical thinking, discernment, and a desire for truth. Unfortunately, in 2024, intellectual consciousness was rarely on display. Instead, campaigns on both sides played to our basest instincts: fear, anger, and loyalty to the tribe. Trump’s victory was a product of the simplified, binary thinking that dominates today’s political landscape.
“There is a cult of ignorance in the United States, and there has always been. The strain of anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that 'my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge.”
― Isaac Asimov
Reductionist Messaging and Soundbites
Political campaigns have long been defined by catchy slogans and simplified narratives, but this election reached new lows. Trump’s campaign excelled at condensing complex issues into emotionally charged soundbites. Immigration became a “national threat,” while economic issues were framed as problems that only his administration could solve, with little to no nuance. This oversimplification left voters without the tools to engage critically, reducing complex issues into a dichotomy of loyalty or opposition.
Echo Chambers and Confirmation Bias
Social media and partisan news outlets compound this problem, creating echo chambers that amplify our biases and reinforce our beliefs. Trump’s campaign capitalized on these dynamics, using social media to stir fear, fan biases, and reinforce groupthink. In this environment, people latch onto information that confirms their worldview, dismissing contrary evidence as fake or biased. For Trump supporters, this echo chamber painted his policies as gospel; for opponents, it promoted a reactionary disdain rather than genuine critique.
Decline in Civic Education
A further symptom of low intellectual consciousness is the erosion of civic education. Many Americans lack a basic understanding of how their own government operates, leaving them vulnerable to political manipulation. Civic literacy is a foundation of democracy, yet it’s been neglected for decades, creating voters who rely on instinct and emotion over informed reasoning. Democracy requires informed citizens, yet our intellectual laziness has allowed empty promises and empty slogans to become the currency of political campaigns.
Spiritual Consciousness: Politics as Ego and Power
Spiritual consciousness involves stepping outside of oneself, seeing the interconnectedness of all people, and acting out of a higher purpose. A spiritually conscious election would be grounded in humility, compassion, and a genuine drive for the common good. Trump’s 2024 victory, however, was anything but spiritually conscious. It fed off ego, fear, and an individualistic nationalism that left little room for empathy or unity.
“The real opposition is that between the ego-bound man, whose existence is structured by the principle of having, and the free man, who has overcome his egocentricity.”
― Erich Fromm
Ego and Power-Driven Leadership
Trump’s campaign embodied a form of low spiritual consciousness that glorified ego-driven ambition. The narrative wasn’t one of serving a shared vision for a united America; it was about strength, dominance, and “winning” at all costs. Power itself became the purpose, while the notion of leadership as service to the collective good was abandoned. This ego-centric appeal played on voters’ insecurities, making them feel that only a strongman could safeguard their interests.
Fear and Division Over Connection
Trump’s campaign relied heavily on stoking fear and division, positioning “outsiders” and marginalized groups as threats to American values. Immigrants, LGBTQ+ individuals, and communities of color were often treated as problems rather than people. This low spiritual consciousness is rooted in a scarcity mentality—a belief that for “us” to succeed, “they” must lose. It encourages a worldview that divides, isolates, and fractures society instead of uniting it around shared goals and a sense of mutual care.
Loss of a Higher Purpose
A spiritually conscious leader would focus on a higher purpose, emphasizing values that transcend politics, like justice, peace, and equality. But Trump’s campaign had little room for this. Instead, it was steeped in transactional morality, reducing complex issues to simple, short-term gains for a select few. His messaging didn’t call on people to work together for a better future but appealed to their desire for instant gratification and immediate victories. Without a higher spiritual purpose, elections become just another game of power, devoid of meaning.
Social Consciousness: Division and Tribalism
Social consciousness is about understanding and valuing the collective good. A society with high social consciousness would care about justice, fairness, and a shared sense of community. But Trump’s 2024 win underscored a culture deeply divided, where tribal loyalties and zero-sum thinking overwhelmed any commitment to communal well-being.
“The Left believes that right-wing tribalism—bigotry, racism—is tearing the country apart. The Right believes that left-wing tribalism—identity politics, political correctness—is tearing the country apart. They are both right.”
― Amy Chua
Intensification of Tribalism
The “us vs. them” mentality ran deep in Trump’s campaign. Voters were urged to see their neighbors as political enemies, fostering tribal loyalties that elevated identity over shared values. Instead of inviting understanding, this tribalism isolated people in separate camps, viewing each other not as fellow Americans but as threats. This is the low consciousness that dehumanizes opponents, creating a cycle of contempt and deepening division.
The Breakdown of Civil Discourse
In Trump’s America, civil discourse has deteriorated into open hostility, with insults and mockery taking the place of thoughtful discussion. When voters are encouraged to view disagreement as disloyalty, the lines of communication break down entirely. Low social consciousness frames civility and compromise as weaknesses rather than as essential tools for a healthy democracy. This election season has shown how far respect and understanding have fallen in the face of a “win-at-all-costs” attitude.
Marginalizing Vulnerable Populations
In a socially conscious society, vulnerable communities would be given priority, as their well-being affects the whole. Instead, Trump’s 2024 campaign marginalized these groups, framing them as obstacles or threats rather than integral parts of the national community. The needs of immigrants, LGBTQ+ individuals, and economically disadvantaged Americans were dismissed or exploited to win political points. A society with low social consciousness turns its back on its most vulnerable, undermining the very fabric of democracy.
A Vision for the Conscious Voter
Ultimately, a shift in consciousness among voters is essential. Conscious voters engage in self-reflection, questioning their instincts and considering the greater good over tribal loyalties or short-term interests. They approach elections with curiosity, balancing personal beliefs with a commitment to the well-being of society as a whole. Conscious voters value nuanced thinking, long-term impact, and unity over division, holding candidates accountable and seeking leaders who serve with integrity and empathy.
A society of conscious voters would transcend narrow self-interest, casting ballots not from fear, anger, or tribal loyalty, but from a desire to build a world rooted in collective values—values that uphold dignity, justice, and a shared future for all. This shift, both in politics and in our broader cultural mindset, is the only path forward if we are to create an America worthy of its founding ideals.
A conscious voter approaches the ballot with intention, curiosity, and humility, striving to balance personal beliefs with the well-being of the collective. Rather than reacting from fear, loyalty, or anger, they seek a deeper understanding of candidates and issues, looking beyond surface-level promises to assess how each option aligns with their values and serves society as a whole.
Here’s how a conscious voter behaves:
Engages in Self-Reflection: A conscious voter examines their own biases and primal instincts. They recognize the pull of tribal loyalties, fears, or desires for control but question these impulses, asking whether they’re voting from reaction or from considered values that promote empathy, justice, and community.
Values Critical Thinking: They take time to research policies, question narratives, and seek out diverse perspectives. Rather than settling for simple slogans or partisan soundbites, they dig deeper, understanding that complex problems rarely have simple solutions. They see nuance as a strength, not a weakness, and are willing to consider multiple angles before making decisions.
Prioritizes Long-Term Impact: Conscious voters think about future generations and the ripple effects of their choices. They’re less interested in immediate gains or easy wins if those come at the expense of long-term health, stability, or ethical principles. They vote with an awareness that today's decisions shape tomorrow’s society.
Balances Personal and Collective Interests: They understand that voting is a communal act, not just a personal one. While they may consider how policies impact them directly, they also think about how those policies affect others—especially marginalized and vulnerable populations. Conscious voters know that their decisions contribute to the fabric of society and strive to uplift everyone, not just their own group.
Seeks Unity Over Division: Instead of choosing candidates who stoke fear, anger, or division, they look for leaders who embody humility, integrity, and a commitment to unity. They prefer candidates who are driven by service, empathy, and a desire to bring people together, not just to “win” or dominate. A conscious voter values dialogue, bridge-building, and solutions that honor the dignity of all.
Exercises Patience and Accountability: They don’t expect instant solutions or perfection, understanding that progress takes time and collaboration. They hold elected officials accountable, not through blind loyalty or cynicism, but through a commitment to continuous improvement, urging leaders to act with integrity and responsibility.
A conscious voter, ultimately, doesn’t just cast a ballot; they cast a vision for society. They choose leaders and policies that align with a higher sense of purpose, voting not from primal instincts or tribal loyalty but from a thoughtful alignment with values that foster inclusivity, empathy, and a sustainable future for all.
Conscious Voters Are Made, Not Found
Politicians don’t create conscious voters. We do. Consciousness doesn’t trickle down from a podium; it grows from honest conversations, from challenging the convenient half-truths and outright bullshit that surround us, and from encouraging introspection—both in ourselves and others. Building a more conscious electorate is a long, brutish haul, demanding that we look beyond the noise and push each other toward deeper understanding.
We can’t wait around for a conscious candidate to magically emerge and save the day. That’s a fantasy, an abdication of responsibility. If we want to see more conscious leaders on the ballot, we need to foster consciousness in every role we play. We need to be conscious partners, parents, leaders, and colleagues who value dialogue, integrity, and empathy. By committing ourselves to a higher standard of engagement and responsibility in our own lives, we lay the groundwork for a culture where conscious leadership can actually take root.
If we do this right, maybe—just maybe—we’ll see more candidates who reflect these values. But we can’t depend on them to set the tone. The transformation begins with us, here and now. The future of democracy doesn’t rest in the hands of any politician; it rests in ours.
Conclusion: Where Do We Go from Here?
Trump’s 2024 victory has cast a spotlight on the low consciousness embedded in American society. Intellectually, we’ve traded nuance for soundbites and critical thinking for gut reactions. Spiritually, we’ve allowed ego and fear to dominate over unity and empathy. Socially, we’ve chosen tribalism over the collective good, widening divides and marginalizing the vulnerable. The challenge now is to acknowledge these deficits and commit to transforming them.
If America hopes to move beyond this cycle of low consciousness, it must reclaim intellectual curiosity, deepen its commitment to empathy and spiritual purpose, and renew a sense of collective responsibility. Only by raising consciousness at every level can we reshape our democracy to reflect our highest values, creating a culture where elections are not just battles for power but reflections of a society united by common ideals.