Common Sense Party

Thoughts on Developing Instincts

November 19, 2025

Daily writing prompt
Do you trust your instincts?
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Instincts can be a skill we are either born with or learn to develop over time. For some people, their instincts speak loudly and clearly, guiding them with certainty. For others, that inner voice can be much quieter, almost a whisper.

I’ve found that self-reflection, especially after making mistakes, is incredibly helpful in understanding those moments when we had the opportunity to listen to our instincts but perhaps missed it. Taking time to look back can often reveal patterns and lessons that help us grow.

It seems that a quiet mind allows our instincts to speak louder. By finding moments of calm and clarity, we give ourselves the best chance of hearing and trusting that inner guidance.

Thank you for letting me share these thoughts with you. I’m always open to hearing your perspective or experiences if you’d like to discuss further.
Reflecting on Our Primal Nature and Modern Divisions

November 19, 2025

I wanted to share some reflections that have been on my mind lately.

It seems to me that the primal side of our nature is still very much a part of who we are, even after centuries of civilization and domestication. Sometimes, it feels as if we’ve lost touch with that part of ourselves, but it continues to shape our experiences and responses in ways we might not always recognize.

Looking at the world today, I can’t help but feel that many current issues stem from these ancient instincts—the very instincts that once helped us survive during the toughest times. In fact, despite all our progress, we seem more divided into “tribes” than ever before.

If we pause for a moment and ask why humans joined tribes in the first place, history tells us it was for survival: tribes offered security, shared resources, defense against threats, and—just as importantly—fostered belonging, pride, dignity, cooperation, and a common identity.

Examining these reasons closely makes me realize how easily media and politicians can play on these primal needs. Whether people identify with MAGA or BLUE SKY or any other group, these “tribes” provide that deeply human sense of belonging we’ve sought since the dawn of time. At the same time, narratives stoked by media or politicians often suggest one tribe is under attack by another—provoking our instinctual drive to protect our community.

There are countless examples of how our primal brains are being manipulated by those in positions of influence. I humbly suggest keeping a few questions in mind when encountering news or political messaging: What response are they hoping to provoke in me? Which group are they appealing to? How does this affect those with different views? Who benefits from keeping groups at odds?

Ultimately, I believe it’s important for us all to remember that we already belong to one overarching tribe—the United States of America. If we remain divided within smaller subgroups rather than uniting as Americans first and foremost, I worry about the growing power of threats outside our borders.

Thank you for letting me share these thoughts. I don’t claim to have all the answers—I just hope this perspective encourages thoughtful reflection on where we put our loyalty and energy as citizens.
A Search To Belong Over Believe

October 8, 2025

The lost youth of America is a topic that weighs heavily on my heart. When I have been on X and other social media platforms, I often come across images of young people protesting on the streets, seemingly searching for something more. It’s disheartening to see them supporting groups that, in many cases, do not align with their own lifestyles. I find myself asking why they would choose to do this.

Initially, I thought it resembled a gang mentality—when you feel you have nothing, it becomes easy to latch onto a group for companionship and belonging. Take, for instance, a trans person at a pro-Palestine protest; the movement they are supporting may not advocate for their existence or rights. Yet there they are, standing alongside others who share their sense of urgency and passion. This phenomenon is complex; while the need for community is undeniably strong, I believe it might be the primary reason many individuals seek out these affiliations.

When people join these groups, they often feel part of something larger than themselves—a collective purpose that transcends individual struggles. But this raises an important question: how can we help bring back our lost youth? In my reflections, I keep returning to the idea of nurturing strong households and communities built on shared beliefs—whether that’s through faith in something greater than ourselves or simply engaging in meaningful conversations about our values.

I understand that this perspective may seem simplistic or even “uneducated” in some circles. However, as we observe our society drifting further from these foundational elements—strong families and supportive communities—it becomes increasingly clear that many young people are turning toward tribal groups as substitutes for genuine connection and understanding. It’s essential to recognize this pattern if we hope to guide them back toward paths where they can find true meaning and belonging in life beyond mere affiliation with fleeting movements.
Embrace thought over labels today.

September 16, 2025

In today’s political world, we often hear the word “fascist” thrown around with alarming frequency. It’s essential to pause and consider what we are calling someone before using such a charged term. To understand its implications, we must first delve into the origin of the word itself. Fascism derives from the Italian word “fascio,” meaning “bundle.” This term references the ancient Roman fasces, a bundle of rods tied around an axe that symbolized civic authority and strength through unity. While this symbolism may seem benign at first glance, its connotations have evolved dramatically in our modern political climate.

Scholars find it challenging to define fascism precisely, but there is a general consensus that it involves a dictatorial regime fueled by national pride or pride in a specific race or culture. However, in contemporary America, we do not have a dictator at the helm. Regardless of whether one agrees with presidential policies or not, our system of checks and balances ensures that power is limited.

Historically, examples of fascism can be seen in Italy and Nazi Germany during World War II, where there was a notable shift toward one-party systems accompanied by strong nationalism. While we are far from such extremes in today’s American political landscape, there is always a risk when both parties vie for control over the populace.

As I reflect on this topic, I urge caution in how we use terms like fascism. Much like any other “ism,” its frequent usage can lead to division rather than understanding. Often, those who wield such labels may do so out of limited comprehension of their true meaning and implications. These words provoke emotional responses that can further polarize discussions instead of fostering dialogue.

Thus, I encourage us all to focus on critiquing policies and beliefs rather than resorting to labels that may not accurately reflect reality. Let us strive for constructive conversations that promote understanding rather than division; after all, these discussions shape our collective future more than any single term ever could.
Break the Bubble, Embrace Reality.

September 15, 2025

The last week has been a time for deep reflection, not only on our own beliefs but also on how we react to the events unfolding around us. It’s disheartening to see individuals from both sides of the political spectrum trying to frame the tragic cold-blooded murder of Charlie Kirk as merely a political issue. When we remove politics from this tragedy, we are left with a heartbreaking reality: a man was speaking at a place of higher learning when another young man made an irreversible decision that ended both their lives.

In examining this situation without the lens of party affiliation, we can see that there is no justification for such violence. This tragedy calls for us to confront a deeper issue within our society—our tendency to exist within echo chambers. We often find ourselves surrounded by viewpoints that mirror our own, reinforced by friends and social media. When faced with ideas outside these comfortable spaces, it can feel like an attack on our moral character and worldview.

The longer we remain in these echo chambers, the more extreme our perspectives can become. Consider how two different groups can read the same text—like the Quran—and derive entirely different meanings and moral outlooks from it. This divergence illustrates how separation leads to radical interpretations; one group may embrace peace while another may resort to violence.

As I conclude my thoughts today, I urge all of us to step outside our echo chambers and genuinely engage with differing viewpoints. Let’s strive to understand others as if we were in their shoes—what drives their beliefs? Why do they hold such strong convictions? Working through these complex issues is not innate; it requires effort and humility. It’s essential for us to recognize that no one holds all the answers, and true understanding comes from listening as much as it does from speaking.