Virtues in the Context of Cultural Forces

Are the virtues we share truly our own, or are they influenced by cultural forces, outside of our control? One could argued that humans make decisions in isolation, but I believe this is not the case. The pressures placed upon us by culture moves us toward a better and brighter future, but at what expense? 

The decision to attend college is predicated, in one way or another, upon our virtues. The necessity of four-year degree is different today than it was just a decade ago, mainly influenced by the resurgence of well-paying blue-collar jobs and the reinvention of vocational studies. For some, an undergraduate degree is the beginning of a long educational process. But for others, they will never see graduation day. 

Our moral compass, guided by our virtues, gives us the direction and clarity we need to pursue a particular degree, whether it be in business, or education. But if our virtues are misaligned, it becomes difficult to fully understand the gravity of our decisions and the results they produce. Choosing the wrong major is bad enough, but realizing that fact after four years is even worse. As such, it is important to properly orient our virtues now, while we have the opportunity to correct our course, and walk the path that is laid before us.

I believe our resume virtues, the ones valued most by our culture, should be a reflection of our eulogy virtues, the ones we place upon our tombstones. We should not neglect our eulogy virtues, even if  the world has stopped paying attention. A balanced mindset, one that understands the importance of character and collaborative success, should be our aim. 

The words of David Brooks in his book, The Road to Character, states this clearly. He says, “While Adam 1 wants to conquer the world, Adam 2 wants to obey a calling to serve the world. While Adam 1is creative and savors his own accomplishments, Adam 2 sometimes renounces worldly success for the sake of some sacred purpose,” (Brooks XII).

This division between resume and eulogy virtues is reflected in Adam 1 and Adam 2. While Adam 1, the forces of our culture, emphasizes our resume virtues, Adam 2, our inner desire to strive fulfill our calling in life, desires to live by eulogy virtues. 

In my short 18 years, I’ve identified a couple virtues which I feel are underemphasized. The most important of these is this: we are all a work in progress, continually being refined to fulfill our potential in a few short decades. Secondly, we should have a balanced view of the present, in the context of the future. 

These two virtues should be taken to heart, and put to good use. They have been a guided light for my life, as resume virtues and eulogy virtues alike.

Works Cited: Brooks, David. The Road to Character. Random House, 2016.