I’ve held several political conversations with people over the past week or so, as the Democratic primary race continues to heat up.

America is definitely divided. It seems unprecedented considering the country’s circumstances compared to previous periods: no in-your-face war and no overwhelming economic depression.

A foreigner (and probably the average citizen) might often wonder, what are we so worked up about?

The hidden clues are there, if we’re aware enough to look. Tribalism. Partisanship. Identity politics. Whatever you call it, we are not empathetic toward others. Digital disinformation. Scientific illiteracy. Fake News. All deal with our inability to see truth.

These are big problems, and they snake outwards to every branch of our political and economic systems, to the very fabric of our society. People feel like we are close to a breaking point. And then fear takes over.

We can pull back from the brink if we bring to our attention the root of these symptoms of division. We must be aware, and we must communicate. Breathe. It’s bigger than me, it’s bigger than me. Think: Truth and Empathy. Together we can.