Interesting post. It can be difficult for me to avoid thinking in divisive terms, not so much in interpersonal conflict with people I know well and love--who I tend to give the benefit of the doubt--but with people out in the world who subscribe to beliefs I find abhorrent. I suppose I do categorize people in my mind, not knowing much about them except for a viewpoint or two that they post on social media. I try to remember that these people are probably not aware of the full implications of their convictions, but even that is a kind of divisiveness. They are brainwashed and ignorant, while I am intelligent and informed.

Actually, lately, the lines have blurred a bit on this. I've had friends (or people I thought were friends) treat me badly because of philosophical disagreements on things like masks and vaccines and whether the Great Reset is a real thing. I don't wish to be divided from them, but they kind of make it hard not to be with their "conform to my beliefs or else" mentalities.

Bring on Part II! I'd like to hear more about how to accomplish "reality bending" especially when it seems the other person is committed to divisive thinking.