Liberal Society Isn't for Everyone
9 hours ago
- #civic-virtues
- #institutions
- #liberal-democracy
- A free society requires specific civic virtues to thrive, including toleration, forbearance, patience, humility, responsibility, courage, honesty, magnanimity, and faith.
- Liberal democracies must intentionally cultivate these virtues, as they do not emerge naturally due to individualism and neglect of duties.
- Republican virtues, essential for self-governance, are often overshadowed by liberal freedoms, leading to a decline in civic responsibility.
- Institutions (families, schools, churches, professions) play a crucial role in shaping virtues by providing structure, roles, and habituation.
- Healthy institutions counteract liberal individualism by instilling obligations, responsibilities, and community identity.
- Leaders within institutions must consciously uphold their roles to maintain trust and integrity, resisting the temptation to prioritize performance over purpose.
- The First Amendment protects rights tied to formative institutions (assembly, press, religion), emphasizing collective moral development over individual autonomy.
- Strengthening core institutions and embracing institutional roles are key to sustaining civic virtues in a democratic republic.