Breaking Free from Indoctrination: Cultivating Humanity, Empathy, and Purpose

Living a Purpose-Driven Life: By Naazi Morad

Many adults struggle to truly have a mind of their own. Even in maturity, some find themselves trapped in patterns of disapproval, resentment, or prejudice toward others—based solely on culture, religion, caste, surname, or social status. From a psychology and mental health perspective, this often stems from being raised in highly orthodox environments, where rigid belief systems, fear, or intolerance are instilled from childhood.

The Psychology of Indoctrination

Children absorb more from observation than instruction. When parents or teachers consistently communicate bias, anger, or avoidance of certain groups, it becomes deeply embedded in the psyche. This can lead to emotional rigidity, lack of empathy, and difficulty forming authentic human connections. Over time, these individuals may carry inherited anger and prejudice into adulthood, often unaware of the mental and emotional chains that hold them back.

The Flip Side: Mental Mind Shift

Some individuals, despite being raised in restrictive or orthodox environments, develop critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness. They recognize that the biases instilled in them were passed down through generations and are not inherently their own. This awareness allows them to make a conscious mental mind shift—choosing empathy, inclusion, and justice over inherited prejudice.

I speak from experience. I was raised in a very orthodox family. In my corporate career, my ideas often clashed with my parents’ worldview. I was labeled as having a “white mentality” simply because I stood for fairness, equality, and justice. I did not judge people by color, religion, or region. I connected with individuals based on character, values, and humanity. True growth comes when we look beyond imposed boundaries and embrace diverse perspectives.

We all have room for improvement. Research in mental health and life coaching shows that purpose-driven individuals experience greater resilience, emotional well-being, and life satisfaction. So, we must ask ourselves: What is our purpose on this earth?

The answer is simple yet profound: to serve others without expecting anything in return. Serving humanity, through small acts of kindness, mentoring, advocacy, or social justice—aligns us with our higher purpose. Life coaching teaches that serving others fosters self-growth, emotional regulation, and fulfillment, while also creating a positive ripple effect in society.

Practical Steps for Personal Growth

1. Self-awareness: Reflect on which beliefs are truly yours versus inherited from upbringing or culture.
2. Challenge biases: Question automatic judgments and explore why resentment or prejudice exists within you.
3. Empathy practice: Connect with people outside your comfort zone and understand their experiences.
4. Purpose-driven living: Serve others in your daily life without expecting recognition or reward.
5. Continuous learning: Seek education, therapy, or coaching to unlearn harmful conditioning.

Breaking free from indoctrination is not easy, but it is essential for emotional health, authentic relationships, and a more compassionate society. True freedom begins when we think, feel, and act with humanity beyond the chains of inherited hatred. Every choice to act with empathy and purpose contributes to a better world—for ourselves and for everyone around us.