Dear America,
I want to begin with this:
I love you.
I really, truly do.
I lived in your cities. I walked your campuses. I sat in your coffee shops, dreaming of building something that could change the world.
America was where I studied. Where I discovered my voice.
Where I fell in love with ideas that reshaped my life.
Where I started Mindvalley, with nothing but ambition and a belief that anything was possible.
For a full decade, you were my home.
And in many ways, you still are.
I may live elsewhere now, but I still identify as American more than anything else.
Because America—the idea of America—isn’t just geography.
It’s a frequency. A dream. A promise that inspired not just me, but billions of people around the world.
What we loved about you
We loved your optimism—the way you believed anything was possible.
We loved your rebels—the ones who spoke truth to power and rewrote the rules.
We loved your Martin Luther King Jr., whose voice still echoes across continents.
We loved your Silicon Valley, that dared to invent the future.
We loved your Apple, born in a garage, changing the way we connect.
We loved Burning Man, a wild celebration of freedom, creativity, and community in the desert.
We loved your poets, your scientists, your dreamers.
You were never perfect. But damn—you had soul.
You were the lighthouse.
The messy, brilliant, complicated beacon we looked toward for what was possible.
But lately… that light feels like it’s flickering.
What the world sees now
In just six months, this is what the world has seen:
– Threats to abandon NATO, the alliance that preserved peace for generations.
– Pointless trade wars where everyone loses.
– Withdrawal from the Paris Climate Treaty, while the Earth burns.
– And now—bombs falling on Iran.
Another unwinnable war in the Middle East.
A war your people swore they’d never allow again.
Not after Iraq.
Not after Afghanistan.
And it’s not just the outer world we see you destroy.
We see you tearing yourselves apart from within.
- Immigration raids that tear apart families and have caused LA to burn.
- Politicians who sound like children while openly taking bribes.
- Tax cuts for billionaires, while those struggling now actually have to pay more in taxes.
- A climate movement abandoned by the very country where it was born.
And yet—I’m writing this letter with an open heart.
Because I haven’t given up.
This week, I’m helping my son apply to U.S. universities. We’re preparing for a tour of East Coast campuses. Then, I’m driving from South Dakota to Yosemite, with stops at Mount Rushmore and the great open spaces I fell in love with.
I want to show my son America. Because I still believe in what America can be.
But I also cannot stay silent—not as a lover of your culture, not as a global citizen.
This spiral you’re in?
It must be named. And it must be stopped.
Because true friends don’t stay silent when they see you crashing.
The spiral was not a mystery. It was a choice.
Every war.
Every broken treaty.
Every erosion of trust.
It didn’t just happen. It was chosen through voting decisions.
By people who, often unknowingly, chose:
- Ego over empathy.
- Charisma over character.
- Soundbites over substance.
And I don’t blame you.
You were caught in a storm of propaganda. You were tired, misled, afraid.
But we need to be honest:
When you vote for leaders who enable war, destabilize peace, and govern through vengeance, you are not just voting for policy. You are voting for self-destruction.
What happened to service?
A great American president once said:
“Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.” – John F. Kennedy
Another said:
“We must never remain silent in the face of injustice.” – Barack Obama
Even Ronald Reagan once called America a “shining city upon a hill.”
What happened to that America?
Now we see leaders who sow division instead of unity.
Who thrive on conflict rather than compassion.
Who look not to serve, but to rule.
And as Sun Tzu warned:
“Some men would set their own nation ablaze, just to be king over the ashes.”
Can you recognize them?
Because now more than ever, you must.
America, you’ve always known how to tell the story. Now it’s time to live it.
Think of your heroes.
The ones you’ve shown us on screen for decades.
Will Smith in Independence Day.
Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible.
They save the world, not just themselves.
They protect their families, but they also rise to a higher mission.
That’s what made us fall in love with you.
Your heroes were never selfish.
They were flawed, yes. But they stood up for something bigger.
So why, in real life, do you so often vote for the opposite?
Your vote is not just yours
I say this with love—and urgency:
Your vote doesn’t just affect your neighborhood. It affects the entire planet.
- It affects the air we all breathe.
- The treaties we all depend on.
- The peace we all hope for.
- The future our children will inherit.
This is no longer about party loyalty or economic policy.
This is about consciousness.
This is about whether the most powerful country on Earth will continue to operate from fear and ego —
Or rise into wisdom and service.
What the world needs from you now
We don’t need another American empire.
We need an American elder.
Not one who dominates. One who guides.
Not one who fears. One who serves.
Because you were never meant to be a fortress.
You were meant to be a lighthouse.
But a lighthouse cannot fulfill its purpose if it forgets to shine inward first.
You taught us to dream. Now we’re asking you to dream again.
The world doesn’t hate you.
We’re not laughing at you.
We’re just watching… and hoping.
Hoping that the America we believed in is still in there.
The next time you march in the streets,
March for all of us.
Not just for the poor or hungry in your zip code.
But for the citizens of our shared planet who need you to shine again.
And when the time comes…
Vote with your heart. And with your higher self.
The choice is yours
Not every election is a turning point.
But some are.
And the one you’re facing now?
This is that moment.
You can vote for leaders who turn the world into a battlefield.
Or vote for those who understand that true power is service.
You can choose:
- Ego or evolution
- Division or destiny
- Fear or future
The world is not asking you to be perfect.
We are simply asking you to remember who you are, at your best.
The America that marched with MLK.
That wrote the Moonshot speech.
That created iPhones, NASA, jazz, and the dream that all humans are created equal.
That’s the America we still believe in.
That’s the America the world needs.
Let that be the America you choose.
— Vishen
Founder, Mindvalley
Citizen of Earth.
Forever shaped by the promise of America.
PS: This letter isn’t just mine—it’s a conversation we all need to have. I’d love to hear how this landed for you. What do you believe America still stands for? What does it need to stand for?
Share your comments below.
Let’s make this a space for reflection, dialogue, and hope.
953 Responses
Thank you! We are trying hard not to let fear win and it helps to hear voices of hope coming from outside our country. So many of us, the majority of us, do not support the cruelty of this current regime.
We will march, and shout, and demand better from the leaders of this country and ask that the world stand up with us against the hate being spewed by corrupt politicians seeking to sweeten their own lives by spoiling everyone else’s.
Hi Vishen,
I have always enjoyed your content and your vision as we watched you climb to the top. Congratulations on that. However, you clearly see America from a diametrically different view than most Americans today. I will not attempt to counter every view you’ve espoused but suffice it to
Say that the true freedom that makes us great was fought for, bled for and died for. Before President Trump’s victory last November, all this sacrifice was crumbling fast due to the vision and actions of the far left progressives in our nation . President Trump and his extreme policies are the only hope America has to right our course and get this amazing nation back on track to continue our cherished freedoms. That said, I do not appreciate you sharing your political views. I have not engaged your ideas and programs to hear your personal views any more than any celebrate or athlete. Sadly I will be leaving you and your platform permanently as I am sure many others will. May you learn a difficult lesso many others have which is the majority of Americans don’t give 2 cents about your views and see this as quite ironic as it is the American freedom and systems that have been so instrumental in your ability to achieve your success.
Goodbye and good riddance!
Yours Yruly,
Michael Beatty
US Army Retired
I totally agree Vishen. The United States is in my backyard. As a young girl, I grew up meeting friends from the United States when I travelled with my family, camping in north and south Carolina. I went shopping to Ann Arbor when money was at par (in the ’70’s). My greatest movies, sports heroes, monuments, stadiums, places to visit and learning has been in the United States. Even the word “United” States has meaning yet today it seems like it is anything but “united”. As a Canadian, we never touted our flag the same way America has yet we were the friendly neighbours – always there when needed or called upon. We are the nice friendly neighbours who come and visit Florida and our U.S. friends in the winters (yes, us snowbirds). Many Canadians have done this for years; buying, spending, shopping, and doing things with our friends who have become like family. Yet, now we have to stop, wonder, question just exactly what is going on?! That trust! That openness between borders! That friendship! All put into question because of 1 (may 2 or more) people that want to rule. Not lead! But Rule! No Kings mantra didn’t come because of a people believing that democracy is abundant. It came because of what is happening now – a government that is destroying democracy in favour of autocracy. A place where the everyday person is not considered which leads to fascism, dictatorship and far right beliefs. President Obama said we are on the precipice of changing what we knew democracy to be.
Democracy is what made the United States different than Russia, North Korea, China, the Middle East and so many other countries. It was this democracy that did allow kids to dream and for those dreams to come true. Unfortunately, that now seems to be the past. Just like Russia, the United States is going backwards to beliefs about power and control; fear based beliefs. Canada has had to turn to other partners and friends who have the same vision (“vishen”) of the future. Maybe it is like how all seasons change and for now the United States has done it’s job to allow other people and countries to take the lead in order to remind the people of the United States of America what it’s true purpose is; to rise up to the calling of remaining a free country. One can only hope and pray. But for now, we must press forward and do what we must do as you would with any relationship when it comes time to go separate ways. When even the Canadians are worried about visiting the United states, I can only imagine what the rest of the world sees and feels.
In 2010, I rode my motorcycle around the world and in 2022 wrote about it. In my book, Lipstick, Life & Motorcycles. I wrote about how free I felt when riding through Russia (back in 2010) as well as the Middle East and about how so many homes in the United States flew their flags so proudly compared to how conservative we as Canadians are and we don’t fly our flags as proudly but we should. In 2023, I did another motorcycle ride taking my motorcycle from Canada riding through the United States to Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama. I then flew my bike to Bogota, Colombia and carried on riding through Ecuador and Peru finally flying home from Lima. I write about how both trips went without incidents making me question propaganda; especially when I was in Russia in 2010. Yet today I wouldn’t undertake these rides. The world is a different place. At the end of my book, which was written after the pandemic, I write about the Law of Greetings (amongst other laws within the book) and the hope, just like beauty pageants who respond when asked what they would like to see in the world and the future. They say world peace – for all nations to work together greeting each other as friends to create world peace.
Thank you 🙏🏾.
I agree wholeheartedly with your letter. I know that voting is the answer, but in the last 10 years or more, I have felt like I was voting for the lesser of two evils. How do we get people who want to serve to run for office? How do we keep them from being corrupted after they are in office?
I totally agree Vishen. The United States is in my backyard. As a young girl, I grew up meeting friends from the United States when I travelled with my family, camping in north and south Carolina. I went shopping to Ann Arbor when money was at par (in the ’70’s). My greatest movies, sports heroes, monuments, stadiums, places to visit and learning has been in the United States. Even the word “United” States has meaning yet today it seems like it is anything but “united”. As a Canadian, we never touted our flag the same way America has yet we were the friendly neighbours – always there when needed or called upon. We are the nice friendly neighbours who come and visit Florida and our U.S. friends in the winters (yes, us snowbirds). Many Canadians have done this for years; buying, spending, shopping, and doing things with our friends who have become like family. Yet, now we have to stop, wonder, question just exactly what is going on?! That trust! That openness between borders! That friendship! All put into question because of 1 (may 2 or more) people that want to rule. Not lead! But Rule! No Kings mantra didn’t come because of a people believing that democracy is abundant. It came because of what is happening now – a government that is destroying democracy in favour of autocracy. A place where the everyday person is not considered which leads to fascism, dictatorship and far right beliefs. President Obama said we are on the precipice of changing what we knew democracy to be.
Democracy is what made the United States different than Russia, North Korea, China, the Middle East and so many other countries. It was this democracy that did allow kids to dream and for those dreams to come true. Unfortunately, that now seems to be the past. Just like Russia, the United States is going backwards to beliefs about power and control; fear based beliefs. Canada has had to turn to other partners and friends who have the same vision (“vishen”) of the future. Maybe it is like how all seasons change and for now the United States has done it’s job to allow other people and countries to take the lead in order to remind the people of the United States of America what it’s true purpose is; to rise up to the calling of remaining a free country. One can only hope and pray. But for now, we must press forward and do what we must do as you would with any relationship when it comes time to go separate ways. When even the Canadians are worried about visiting the United states, I can only imagine what the rest of the world sees and feels.
In 2010, I rode my motorcycle around the world and in 2022 wrote about it. In my book, Lipstick, Life & Motorcycles. I wrote about how free I felt when riding through Russia (back in 2010) as well as the Middle East and about how so many homes in the United States flew their flags so proudly compared to how conservative we as Canadians are and we don’t fly our flags as proudly but we should. In 2023, I did another motorcycle ride taking my motorcycle from Canada riding through the United States to Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama. I then flew my bike to Bogota, Colombia and carried on riding through Ecuador and Peru finally flying home from Lima. I write about how both trips went without incidents making me question propaganda; especially when I was in Russia in 2010. Yet today I wouldn’t undertake these rides. The world is a different place. At the end of my book, which was written after the pandemic, I write about the Law of Greetings (amongst other laws within the book) and the hope, just like beauty pageants who respond when asked what they would like to see in the world and the future. They say world peace – for all nations to work together greeting each other as friends to create world peace.
Thank you, Vishen. I was just wondering what kind of message Mindvalley would share in these challenging times. Honestly, I was ready to walk away if I had sensed even a trace of MAGA here, as it doesn’t seem compatible with the values I’ve often found reflected in your quests. Let’s spread the voice of this true America—still too silent and stunned. Thank you for being there!
Thank you for your letter, Vishen. It moved me deeply, especially because of the love and clarity behind your words.
You captured what so many of us around the world have felt for a long time: that America, at its best, inspired not because it was perfect, but because it dared to dream big, lead with heart, and pursue a vision rooted in purpose. But somewhere along the way, it seems to have lost its way, trading love for fear and leadership for control.
Your words are a powerful reminder that true leadership, whether of a nation or a self, flows from within. And when the inner core is fractured, the outer impact falters.
Thank you for reminding us to remember who we are and to lead not from ego, but from essence.
Our world needs this more than ever right now.
Thank’s from Sweden! You wrote it in a lovely way and with a deep sence of need for connection and unity instead of fear and division.
Thank you for using your voice and this platform to speak out. It’s time for all of us to do the same.
I am not proud of my country on this moment in history; we stand to lose the very soul of America.
I agree, Jenifer. It makes me sad for our country. For the first time in my life, I am getting involved in political activism and rallies. I can’t sit by and complain or be complacent. “If you’re not part o the solution, you’re part of the problem.”
Thank you so much for speaking up Vishen. I appreciate people like you speaking up. People with power and money, who do good in the world. I’m American, and lower income. From my point of view, and others near me, things seem so out of our control, and so saddening. I hope more people speak up, and I hope it makes a difference before it’s too late. Thank you again.
I have heard few thought leaders encapsulate the challenges of today better than this heart-felt letter does. Thank you. As an American, I have cringed, wept, gotten angry, grieved, and felt helpless. But we can’t stop with processing feelings. We have to focus our attention on rising in love and strength, not fear and frustration. Each of us are like broadcasting towers and we must be steadfast in our resolve to send out the energies of unity, love for all people, resistance to complying with injustice, and commitment to improve planet earth. Thank you for coalescing the ideals that many of us believe in.
Right on Joyce!
I do love the sentiment of this post. I agree with it. However, it lost something for me as it was so obviously written by AI. Where is the heart and soul of what Vishen is going to do? What MindValley truly feels, thinks, and will behave? This is a great start, and I’m not opposed to AI helping in shaping the words of the thoughts. I use it myself. But I needed more of you in this post since this was meant to be incredibly personal and heartfelt. I would love to see you rewrite this will all of your own words, your own emotions, and your own intentions. Thank you for all that you stand for and all that you do!
Ha ha ha! that is so funny tone-deaf lady! What about those brilliant words that ignite higher feelings and inspire a greater work that is still possible. Well, that is obviously lost on you, not possible for you, or for the zillions of other morons!
Exactly the point I was going to make. It even reads like no effort was made for it not to show it was written by AI.
I love this statement. I will share it. The time has come for us to act together – as a UNITED WORLD.
I agree and love the comment ‘True Power is service’!!
I also love ‘You were meant to be a lighthouse.
But a lighthouse cannot fulfil its purpose if it forgets to shine inward first.’
Most of all, I love ‘This is about consciousness. This is about whether the most powerful country on Earth will continue to operate from fear and ego — Or rise into wisdom and service.’
And I love the understanding that states: We don’t need another American empire. We need an American elder.
I would add ‘We need the Wisdom of an Elder’.
Finally I would add Thank you Vishen. I SHOWER YOU WITH LOVE!!!
Vishen, thank you for taking the time to reflect and put in words what many of us are feeling and thinking. I appreciate how respectful and meaningful these words are, full of evidence of how beautiful this country is and how important it is to have it back. This is the country where we came to help our daughter and son fulfill their dreams. We believe in its people and how the value of service runs in their veins. I hope this message reaches millions of Americans and allows them to make their voices heard. THANK YOU!
Well-said. Thank you for speaking up and from your heart.
Dear Vishen,
Thank you for your letter. As an immigrant to this country, the American dream is in my heart and soul. Yet, your words so full of honest love, concern, and clarity—resonate with me and is a reminder of not only who America has been, but of who America still has the capacity to become.
You speak of America with both nostalgia and hope, criticism and care. And for that, I thank you. Thank you for the challenge: to remember, to rise, and to vote not just with self-interest, but with conscience. America is imperfect. But it is not beyond redemption.
You’ve reminded us of what America once stood for. Now it’s on us to live up to it again.
With gratitude and resolve,
Ingrid
This text is very beautiful and inspiring. It reminds us that each of us can play an important role today in creating peace in the world. Thank you for writing and sharing it.
Thank you for this.
I’m European, from France, a Mindvalley member, and those words translate my thoughts perfectly.
I hope your voice gets heard.
It is true that America is such a big and powerful country that every decision made there affects us all. All of us on the planet. Yet the rest of the world can only watch and hope.
And yes, we all love America dearly 🫶
Spot on. Vishen, you are an inspiration! I truly hope to wake up one day and realize this madness was just a nightmare and it’s now over. Too much pain and suffering in the world lately 💔❤️🩹