This union has been divided in like a civil war - brother

In the sands of time, where the tides of history often sweep nations and peoples to great heights or devastating depths, there are moments when unity is not just a hope but a necessity. James P. Hoffa, a man of great influence in the labor movement, speaks to a deep and troubling truth in his words: "This union has been divided in like a civil war—brother against brother, sister against sister. And I'm pulling it together. We've already seen evidence of that in New York, in Pennsylvania, in California. The first thing is we have to get on the same page. We have to be united in one cause." These words speak not only to the inner turmoil of a fractured organization, but to the human condition itself: how division within a group, a family, or a nation can tear apart the very foundations of collective strength, and how, through leadership and vision, that unity can be restored.

Hoffa's reflection is rooted in the ancient understanding of unity as the pillar upon which any strong society or group stands. Throughout the ages, the stories of empires rising and falling often center around the question: Can a people remain united in the face of adversity? From the Greek city-states, divided by rivalry and war, to the Roman Empire, where internal divisions eventually led to its fall, the strength of a group has always been determined by its ability to overcome internal discord and unite under a common cause. In Hoffa’s case, the union he refers to was not just an abstract idea, but a labor movement—a collective of workers seeking justice, fairness, and dignity in a world often indifferent to their needs.

The historical lesson is clear: division within a group—whether it be a family, a community, or a nation—weakens it, even if that division is borne of conflicting ideals or ambitions. The American Civil War serves as a tragic but clear example. In the years leading up to the war, the United States was deeply divided over issues of slavery, states’ rights, and regional differences. What began as a political disagreement escalated into a full-scale war between brother and brother, with the nation torn asunder. The Union’s victory ultimately preserved the country, but the scars of that internal conflict would remain for generations, a reminder of what happens when a people fail to maintain their unity.

Hoffa’s words, much like the ancient leaders who sought to restore unity in the face of destruction, are a call to action: a reminder that division—even if it is born of good intentions or differences in vision—can lead to the decay of a collective spirit. He speaks not just to a labor union, but to the very soul of any group that seeks to achieve a greater purpose. In times of crisis or struggle, it is easy for factions to form, for rivalries to emerge, and for old wounds to open. Yet, true leadership does not seek to exacerbate these divides but to bridge them, to heal them, and to forge a collective strength that can withstand any storm.

Consider the ancient Greeks once more, for their very concept of democracy was rooted in the idea of unity within the city-state. The Athenians, despite their deep philosophical divides, understood that without cohesion, their city would fall. This understanding gave birth to the Athenian assembly, where citizens could debate and discuss the issues of the day, yet ultimately unite for the common good. While not perfect, this model of participation and solidarity allowed Athens to thrive during its golden age. The lesson here is simple but profound: even in times of intense division, whether political, ideological, or personal, it is essential that a group finds a way to come together, for it is in unity that true power resides.

Hoffa’s plea to be “on the same page” and to unite for one cause is not just a strategic mandate for workers in the labor movement; it is an ancient and timeless principle that applies to all of us. The challenge of our time is not merely to acknowledge our differences but to find a way to use those differences to strengthen the collective purpose. As leaders, as individuals, we must always ask ourselves: How can I contribute to the unity of my family, my community, my country? How can I build bridges where others seek to build walls?

The lesson from Hoffa’s words is a call for each of us to take responsibility for the divisions around us. Whether in the workplace, the community, or the larger political arena, we must be conscious of the forces that seek to divide and ensure that we are part of the solution, not the problem. Unity, in any form, is not a passive state—it is a dynamic, active effort that requires us to put aside personal grudges, selfish desires, and short-term differences for the sake of a larger purpose. In our everyday lives, we must strive to be agents of cohesion, working to unite rather than divide, building not only our own future but the future of those around us. For in unity, there lies strength, and in strength, there lies the possibility of a greater tomorrow.