Mark Fischler - Stepping Out of the Collective Trance of Society
“With the growth of the internet and the unrestricted flow of information, we’re witnessing a kind of regression to earlier values.” – Mark Fischler
In our age of endless news feeds, social media scrolling, podcasts, and hot takes, you’d expect us to have a clearer view of “the whole picture.” But that’s the essence of being human: we always see things through a limited lens, no matter the issue at hand. This common reality often leads many of us into the comfort of black-and-white thinking: Democrat or Republican, religious or secular, omnivore or herbivore. Dr. Mark Fischler, a podcast host and Professor of Criminal Justice at Plymouth State University, emphasizes that we don’t have to choose a side. He argues that if we can learn to embrace multiple truths simultaneously—even when they’re confusing—we can tackle some of society’s most pressing challenges.
Sarah had the pleasure of meeting Mark at the ICON Conference, a gathering of innovative thinkers and change-makers grounded in Integral Theory, all aiming to build a better future. His insights into our current landscape—the growing divide in political views, the ethical dilemmas surrounding our Supreme Court, and the fragility of democracy in the U.S.—offer a soothing perspective for those feeling overwhelmed.
“I entered law school and began diving into case law (like Roe v. Wade). I’d read one perspective and think, ‘I completely get this,’” Mark recalls. “Then I’d read the dissenting opinion and realize, ‘Wait, they make a lot of sense too!’” Decades later, he remains committed to nurturing a comprehensive view of life and the law, bolstered by the humbling experiences that come with personal growth, along with his embrace of Buddhist philosophy and a dedication to meditation.
Growth isn’t always straightforward, even for someone who recognizes that every story has multiple sides. However, having a solid reference point can make the journey smoother. “Integral Theory helps us appreciate these varying perspectives,” Mark explains. “None is superior to the others, and all are interwoven.”
The way forward hinges on our ability to create space for diverse ways of thinking and acting, and Mark agrees. “I once thought there had to be one right answer,” he admits. The reality is there isn’t, and that realization is perhaps the biggest lesson of all.
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Mark Fischler is an award-winning professor of criminal justice at Plymouth State University in New Hampshire. He is a former NH Public Defender. Mark also hosts a podcast on the Integral Life website called Integral Justice Warrior.
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