The Inevitable Bias: Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?

Let’s face it—bias is as unavoidable as stepping on a LEGO in the dark. Everything, from the books we read to the news we consume, has some kind of perspective baked into it. It’s not always sinister; sometimes, it’s just a natural part of how humans communicate. But in today’s world, where false information spreads faster than a kindergartener with a secret, we have to ask ourselves: Are we letting this divide us? Are we so caught up in ourselves that we’re missing the bigger picture?

It’s Not About You

This might sting a little, but here it is: It’s not all about you. Or me. Or any of us, individually. And yet, we’ve been trained to think it is. Social media feeds us our own curated world, algorithms reinforce what we already believe, and the material world shouts that success and self-worth come from me, me, me. But what happens when an entire society becomes obsessed with itself? Division. The more we think we are the center of the universe, the easier it is to separate, to fight, to look at others as obstacles rather than fellow human beings.

Ironically, though, we are the center of the universe—but not in the way we’ve been led to believe. Not as self-absorbed individuals, but as spiritual beings, connected through divinity, through quantum energy, through something far greater than our personal desires. Together, we are the center. And yet, the modern world tells us the opposite.

The Real Danger: Division

But here’s the real problem—it’s not just about who’s right and who’s wrong. It’s about how this constant flood of bias is tearing us apart. The more we let misinformation pit us against each other, the weaker we become. A divided nation is an easy nation to manipulate. It’s a nation that can’t focus on real progress because it’s too busy arguing over headlines and half-truths.

And if you think this isn’t affecting our kids, think again. They are watching. They see the division, the anger, the way people treat each other over opinions that are often shaped by biased sources. Are we truly educating them? Are we showing them how to seek truth, how to question narratives, how to put people before politics and perspectives? Or are we letting them grow up in a world where echo chambers and algorithms decide what’s real for them?

Breaking Free from the Rut

We’ve fallen deep into a rut—a system designed by so-called important figures who are, in reality, running their own businesses and pushing their own agendas. Politicians, corporations, media moguls—they don’t thrive on unity; they thrive on division. It’s profitable. It’s controllable. When we’re distracted, when we’re fighting each other, we’re not paying attention to them.

So how do we break free? We open our eyes. We stop letting biased information make us pawns in someone else’s game. We teach our children—not to be consumed with themselves, but to see beyond their own reflection. To recognize that fulfillment isn’t found in self-obsession but in connection, in truth, in wisdom passed down through generations.

Because when people are constantly fed the idea that they are the most important thing in the world, they become isolated, self-serving, and easily led. But when we step back and realize that the real meaning of life isn’t about feeding our own egos but about understanding the world, helping others, and seeking wisdom, that’s when we break the cycle.

Only Unity Prevails

If we keep falling for the traps of division, we will remain weak. A house divided cannot stand, and neither can a nation. But if we recognize that unity—not uniformity, but unity—is our strength, we can begin to shift. We can question narratives, think critically, and refuse to let ego, materialism, and false narratives define us.

Librarians get this. They don’t just check out books; they teach critical thinking. They help people spot bias, fact-check sources, and avoid getting bamboozled by clickbait headlines. Think of them as the Jedi Masters of information, guiding us away from the Dark Side of misinformation.

This isn’t about eliminating bias—it’s about recognizing it, questioning it, and not letting it own us. Because at the end of the day, a world focused on self is a world easy to control. A world focused on truth is a world unstoppable.

So, are you smarter than a 5th grader? Because even they know that just because something is written down doesn’t mean it’s true. Stay curious, stay skeptical, and for the love of wisdom—open your eyes. The future isn’t about you. It’s about us. And that’s the only way forward.