Speaking of the need of a fundamental shift in values, I read an interesting article in the NY Times yesterday afternoon entitled: “The Modesty Manifesto.” The author, David Brooks, observed that we are an overconfident species, especially the part of humanity now living in the United States.

Brooks (somewhat tongue in cheek I expect) noted that “Men tend to be especially blessed with self-esteem. Men are the victims of unintentional drowning more than twice as often as women. That’s because men have tremendous faith in their own swimming ability, especially after they’ve been drinking.” While I am not certain that his explanation is the end of the story, I am inclined to put his theory to the test…in a polar bear club swim before the end of winter.

To me, the most interesting and thought-provoking connection Brooks raises is this: “Most pervasively, I wonder if there is a link between a possible magnification of self and a declining saliency of the virtues associated with citizenship.” I have been wondering the same thing for days! Could it be that the disconnect between how people are acting (overconfidently) and what is really going on (suboptimal function on many fronts) is the symptom of a deeper cause, namely, the value deficit we examined in yesterday’s post?

While I cannot be sure, I have yet to hear of a better explanation for the growing chasm between the facts and what we – as a country – are admitting to ourselves.

Virtues do more than simply provide the building blocks of character, they also ensure an uncommon clarity of vision and perception. How? Simply put, virtuous function brings about a purity and stillness of heart.

Those who are virtuous are granted immunity to that highly infectious state of disturbed being called “a troubled heart.” This makes sense intellectually, but you can only truly know this truth when you put it in action.

I encourage you to take the time to become intimately familiar with the virtues. Start with those most familiar and let your understanding grow from there. Put those that you don’t understand to the side for now but be sure to revisit them when the time is right. Don’t worry, you’ll know when that time comes.

Have a great day!