Very interesting read. I'm going to say something I probably shouldn't: I think your instincts aren't wrong. Here's how I see it: Some people care deeply about moving through this world in a certain way. There are many of these 'ways'. However, once you do care deeply about a certain way, the world sorts itself out about that axis. It isn't wrong to suspect that the world is divided (that's why it seems so crazy to discard the notion), but the axes are numerous, and you are sorting about your own. IMHO the real beauty is not only seeking those that value your axis, but to try to sense the axes of others that you don't share, and try to understand where their conviction comes from. They are there. Of course, not everyone cares deeply about living a certain way. Some do live the unexamined life. If equality trumps choice, then there is no value in it. Or, as I have said here before: No one is special, but some people do special things.