Universalism: Why Some People Care More About the Planet
Yaro Pry··4 min read
Some people walk past a plastic bottle on the sidewalk without blinking. Others can’t ignore it - they pick it up, carry it home, recycle it properly, and then spend the evening reading about ocean waste statistics. What makes the difference?
It’s not just education. Not just politics. And definitely not just trends.
The answer often lies in something psychologists call universalism - a value orientation that pushes individuals to care deeply about humanity, nature, and the broader world. If you’ve ever wondered why certain people feel personally responsible for global issues while others stay focused on their immediate circle, this is where things get interesting.
What Is Universalism, Really?
Universalism is a core human value identified in Schwartz’s Theory of Basic Values. In plain terms, it reflects concern for:
- The welfare of all people
- Environmental protection
- Equality and social justice
- Global harmony
Think of it like widening the lens on a camera. Some people naturally zoom in - family, close friends, personal success. Others zoom out until the entire planet fits in the frame.
Neither perspective is "wrong." But they lead to very different behaviors.
Why Universalism Feels So Personal to Some People
Here’s a hot take - caring about the planet isn’t always about logic. It’s emotional. Deeply emotional.
Individuals high in universalism often experience:
- Strong empathy toward strangers
- Heightened emotional reactions to injustice
- A sense of shared identity with humanity
- Internal discomfort when witnessing harm to nature
For them, climate change isn’t an abstract policy debate. It’s visceral. It feels personal, even if the damage is happening thousands of miles away.
Imagine hearing about deforestation and feeling it the way others might feel about a family dispute. That’s the emotional texture of universalism.
The Psychology Behind Planet-Oriented People
Universalism doesn’t exist in isolation. It connects with broader personality traits and psychological patterns.
1. Big Five - Openness to Experience
People high in openness tend to think globally. They’re curious about cultures, ideas, ecosystems. The planet feels interconnected to them.
2. Emotional Intelligence
Higher emotional awareness often means greater sensitivity to suffering - human or environmental.
3. Intrinsic Motivation
According to Self-Determination Theory, individuals driven by intrinsic values - growth, contribution, meaning - are more likely to prioritize collective well-being over status or power.
4. Jungian Orientation
Certain cognitive styles emphasize big-picture thinking and abstract systems. These individuals naturally gravitate toward global themes rather than narrow objectives.
When several of these traits align, universalism becomes more than a value. It becomes a compass.
Why Some People Don’t Feel the Same Urgency
This part matters.
Not everyone ranks universalism highly in their value hierarchy. Other drivers might dominate, such as:
- Security - prioritizing stability and safety for oneself and family
- Achievement - focusing on personal success
- Power - seeking influence or control
- Tradition - preserving cultural norms
When these values take center stage, global environmental issues may feel distant or secondary. It’s not necessarily apathy. It’s prioritization.
Picture a mental dashboard with limited space. Universalism competes with other lights flashing for attention.
Universalism and Everyday Behavior
So how does this value actually show up in real life?
Often in small, consistent actions:
- Choosing sustainable products
- Supporting ethical brands
- Advocating for environmental policies
- Volunteering for community initiatives
- Reducing waste intentionally
But here’s something subtle - universalism also influences career choices, relationships, and even consumption of news. Individuals high in this value often feel drawn toward roles where impact extends beyond their immediate circle.
It’s less about grand gestures. More about alignment.
Is Universalism Increasing in Modern Society?
That depends on where you look.
On one hand, global movements for climate action and social equality have grown rapidly. Younger generations, especially, report stronger concern for planetary issues.
On the other hand, economic uncertainty can push people toward self-protection values. When survival feels threatened, global thinking sometimes shrinks.
Values aren’t static. They shift with context, life stage, and experience.
And that raises a fascinating question - can universalism be strengthened intentionally?
Can People Develop Stronger Universalist Values?
Short answer? Yes. But it’s nuanced.
Research suggests values evolve through:
- Exposure to diverse cultures
- Education
- Meaningful cross-group relationships
- Transformative life events
- Reflective self-assessment
Self-awareness plays a critical role here. Many individuals simply haven’t examined where universalism sits in their internal hierarchy.
That’s where structured psychological tools become powerful.
How Psychometric Analysis Reveals Value Orientation
Most people assume they understand their personality. But assumptions are slippery.
A scientifically grounded psychometric platform like lifematika.com provides a deeper layer of insight. Through a 95-question assessment - completed in about 15 minutes - users receive a detailed analytical report drawing from eight established psychological models.
One of those models is Schwartz’s Theory of Basic Values, which directly measures universalism alongside other core motivations.
The platform integrates:
- OCEAN - Big Five personality traits
- Jungian typology
- DISC behavioral styles
- VIA character strengths
- Self-Determination Theory
- Schwartz’s value framework
- Emotional intelligence assessment
- Motivational level analysis
Instead of fragmented insights, users receive a holistic map. Strengths. Blind spots. Behavioral patterns. Value drivers.
Free to start. No registration required. Fully confidential.
And here’s the interesting part - many people discover their environmental concern isn’t random. It’s rooted in measurable psychological structure.
Universalism vs. Burnout - The Hidden Risk
Caring deeply has a downside.
Individuals high in universalism sometimes experience:
- Eco-anxiety
- Compassion fatigue
- Frustration with slower societal change
- Conflict with people who prioritize differently
Imagine carrying the weight of global problems in your pocket. It gets heavy.
Balancing universal concern with personal well-being becomes essential. Self-awareness again matters. Understanding one’s motivational structure can prevent overextension and emotional exhaustion.
Why This Conversation Matters Now
Climate shifts. Resource challenges. Social polarization.
The world feels interconnected in ways previous generations couldn’t fully grasp. Universalism isn’t just a philosophical idea anymore - it’s a practical orientation shaping policy, innovation, and culture.
Organizations increasingly seek individuals who think systemically. Communities thrive when members care beyond their immediate benefit. Even businesses now factor sustainability into long-term survival strategies.
Planet-focused thinking isn’t fringe. It’s becoming strategic.
So - Why Do Some People Care More?
Because their internal value system tells them to.
Because empathy feels expansive rather than selective.
Because their psychological architecture nudges them toward global identification.
And sometimes, because they’ve taken the time to understand themselves.
Universalism isn’t about moral superiority. It’s about orientation. A lens. A compass setting pointing outward.
Have you ever paused to consider where your compass points?
Understanding that answer can change more than daily habits. It can shape career decisions, relationships, and the kind of legacy someone chooses to leave behind.
The planet doesn’t need everyone to think the same way. Diversity of values keeps societies functional. But recognizing why certain individuals feel that deep, almost instinctive pull toward global responsibility? That’s powerful.
Because once people see the pattern - in themselves or others - conversations shift. Less judgment. More clarity.
And clarity, in a world this complex, is a pretty good place to start.
