In The Five Levels of Attachment: Toltec Wisdom for the Modern World, Don Miguel Ruiz Jr. explores how our attachments to beliefs and identities can liberate or trap us in cycles of suffering. The more our beliefs are embodied within us, the more pronounced our propensity for suffering, especially when our beliefs are tied to worldly interests. Our level of attachment to a particular belief or outcome is also one of the causes of division in our families and society.

The Five Levels Of Attachment

In his book,  Don Miguel Ruiz Jr. explores how attachment to beliefs shapes our identity, actions, and emotional well-being. The five levels range from freedom and flexibility to rigidity and suffering. Here’s a brief overview:

  • Level 1: The Authentic Self—Beliefs are held lightly and seen as tools, not identities. There is openness, curiosity, and minimal emotional attachment.
  • Level 2: Preference – Clear preferences guide choices, but outcomes don’t define self-worth. Disappointment is possible, but adaptability remains.
  • Level 3: Identity – Beliefs become part of self-image. Challenges to these beliefs feel personal, leading to defensiveness.
  • Level 4: Internalisation– Beliefs are seen as absolute truths. Opposing views trigger strong emotional reactions and are often dismissed outright.
  • Level 5: Fanaticism – Beliefs consume identity entirely. Opposition is seen as a threat, and dialogue becomes nearly impossible.

These levels offer a powerful lens for self-reflection, helping us identify where attachment may be limiting our growth and inner peace.

How Attachment Influences Our Political Beliefs

Politics, in particular, is a space where these attachments manifest intensely, shaping our perceptions, relationships, and emotional well-being.

In this article, we’ll examine each level of attachment through a political lens, offering relatable examples that highlight how attachment influences our behaviour—and how we can free ourselves from its grip.

Level 1: The Authentic Self (Detached Awareness)

At this level, political beliefs are held lightly. There’s a sense of openness, curiosity, and a willingness to listen to other perspectives without feeling personally attacked or defensive. Someone might lean toward a specific political philosophy but remain open to understanding opposing perspectives. For instance, during a discussion on healthcare policies, they ask thoughtful questions rather than dismissing other viewpoints outright. They might say, “That’s interesting—can you explain how that would work in practice?”

At this level, suffering is minimal because political beliefs aren’t fused with identity. Even if their preferred policies aren’t implemented, they can adapt and focus on what they can influence.  When was the last time you truly listened to someone with a different political belief without needing to prove them wrong?

Level 2: Preference (Attachment to Outcomes)

There’s a clear preference for specific political outcomes, but those preferences don’t consume one’s peace of mind. A person might be disappointed by a political loss, but they don’t see it as a personal failure or an existential threat. Imagine someone volunteering for a political cause they care deeply about, such as education reform. When their preferred policy doesn’t pass, they feel disappointed but redirect their energy into finding other ways to support the cause, like working with local community groups or starting grassroots initiatives.

Suffering emerges when preferences become expectations. If they start believing, “If this doesn’t happen, everything is doomed,” attachment begins to tighten.  Do you see political setbacks as temporary challenges or as insurmountable failures?

Level 3: Identity (Attachment to Labels)

At this stage, political beliefs become part of a person’s self-image. Instead of saying, “I support these policies,” they say, “I am this type of voter.” The political label becomes an essential part of their identity. Consider someone who strongly identifies with a political party or ideology. They might feel pride when their side wins and frustration when it loses. They might start viewing those with opposing views as fundamentally different, even morally inferior.

Their sense of self becomes tethered to their political identity. If their party or cause faces criticism, they feel it is a personal attack, leading to defensiveness, anger, or shame. Are your political beliefs a tool for understanding the world, or have they become a cornerstone of your identity?

Level 4: Internalisation(Attachment to Beliefs as Truth)

At this level, political beliefs are seen as absolute truths. Someone at this stage isn’t just aligned with a set of beliefs—they see them as unquestionable. Challenges to these beliefs are met with defensiveness, anger, or dismissal. Imagine someone who strongly supports a political movement or ideology. When evidence suggests flaws or failures in that movement, they dismiss it as biased, fake, or irrelevant. Conversations about these issues quickly escalate into arguments because they perceive challenges as personal attacks.

People attached to their political beliefs may be unable to perceive nuance. They might isolate themselves from those with differing views, becoming trapped in echo chambers that reinforce their perspective. Do you react with curiosity or defensiveness when someone challenges your political views?

Level 5: Fanaticism (Attachment Beyond Reason)

At this stage, political attachment consumes a person’s identity. Their worldview becomes rigid, and alternative perspectives are considered wrong and dangerous. People with differing beliefs are often dehumanised or vilified. Imagine someone who dedicates every waking hour to promoting their political cause. They frequently argue online, attack others for having different views, and view anyone outside their belief system as an adversary. They might say, “If you’re not with us, you’re against us.”

This level of attachment creates intense emotional suffering. Every political event feels like a matter of life and death, and ideological rigidity deteriorates their relationships with friends, family, and colleagues. Has your attachment to political beliefs led to fractured relationships or persistent anger and frustration?

The Collective Impact of Political Attachment

When large groups of people operate at the higher levels of political attachment, society begins to fracture:

  • PPolarisation Dialogue becomes impossible as people retreat into opposing camps.
  • Distrust: Institutions, media, and public figures are seen through the lens of suspicion and bias.
  • DDehumanisation Opponents are no longer seen as people with different perspectives but as enemies.
  • Gridlock: Progress stalls because compromise is viewed as a betrayal.

How to Free Yourself from Political Attachment

  1. Embrace Curiosity: Ask questions instead of immediately defending your beliefs.
  2. Stay Open: Be willing to hear perspectives that challenge your assumptions.
  3. Prioritise Connection: See the humanity in those with opposing views.
  4. Detach from Outcomes: Work toward your goals without tying your emotional state to political results.
  5. Question Your Identity: Ask yourself, “Who am I without these political labels?”

A Broader Perspective: Politics as a Mirror

Politics reflects our inner attachments, fears, and desires. When we approach it with openness and curiosity, it becomes a tool for growth and connection. When we cling tightly to political beliefs as our identity, it becomes a source of suffering and division.

A Final Thought:

What would change if you approached political discussions with the same openness you’d bring to an intriguing conversation with a stranger on a long train ride?

We reduce our suffering by releasing our political attachments and creating space for collective understanding, meaningful dialogue, and lasting change. After all, beneath our political identities, we are all human beings navigating complex challenges together.