Aristotle pointed out that politics is downstream of culture. If anyone thinks the polarized, partisan politics we see today is a new thing, they haven’t read much world history.
Culture – the English word has the same root as “cult” – is downstream of religion. Religion, in this sense, isn’t necessarily confined to man’s relationship with god(s). Religion is what we exalt, celebrate, and worship. Sports, hobbies, political parties, social affiliations, patriotism, physical fitness, fashions, scientific paradigms – all can have the attributes of religion.
Religion >> Culture >> Politics
Long-term, the best way to change politics is to alter the vectors of culture by shaping what is exalted, celebrated, and worshipped. In organizational change, changing mindsets and behaviors requires a change in what is exalted, celebrated, and worshipped.
