The Moral Bucket List
http://mobile.nytimes.com/2015/04/12/opinion/sunday/david-brooks-the-moral-bucket-list.html?emc=edit_th_20150412&nl=todaysheadlines&nlid=25414714&_r=0&referrer=
How to develop "eulogy virtues" instead of or in addition to "character virtues."
I think that while resume virtues are very important to being successful in life, eulogy virtues can help a person become even more successful while leaving a lasting impression on those they surround them. I know a few of the kinds of people the author was describing, those with the "inner light". These people always have gone out of their way to make my day, so I'm sure they have done the same for others. The people I am thinking of do not let things get them down. Like the author mentioned, they accept defeat, and realize that they are not perfect, but will make many mistakes throughout their lives. This kind of humility should serve as an example for the rest of us. I can speak personally when I say that I feel people become so caught up in how to make the most money, or how to be the best at something that they forget that no one gets out of here alive. So, we should make the most of the time that we have in this life. Rather than focusing on ourselves and how we may advance our careers and our wealth, we should redirect our energy on how we can make other's lives better. This will be what our loved ones talk about once we have died. Material things cannot be eternal, but people's memory of us and the legacy we leave when we are gone should be of utmost importance during our lives.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what Mallory has to say about this article. I believe that the Eulogy virtues are more important than the resume virtues, however I believe in order for the people to have that deep understanding and kindness within them they need both. People with that extent of kindness and love are very rare nowadays. Materialistic people are everywhere; many celebrities, and political figures only care about money and worldly things. I think it is true that people who have that 'inner light' as David brooks was describing are more appreciated. I can honestly say that if I met someone who was deeply genuine and virtuous I would be more grateful to have them as my friend, rather than someone who wouldn't pay attention to me as they were counting up their hundreds of dollars. I believe that this is the reason in the Catholic church we have Saints; people who made such an impact on others that they need to be remembered. I don't believe that only people are born with this 'inner light', i believe we can change our lives to become extremely virtuous and caring.
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ReplyDeletehttp://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3045711/Slaughter-beach-ISIS-behead-shoot-Ethiopian-Christians-sickening-new-propaganda-video.html
I really enjoyed this article because I was actually having some similar thoughts as the author recently. I become so happy when I come into contact with people that have the "inner life" and the rest of the day or even week and I left striving to be more like that person. I think that if everyone tried to be even a little bit nicer and a little better of a listen, then the world would be quite different. Some people get so caught up in success and money that they forget all about how their grandma taught them to be nice to everyone and don't say anything if you don't have anything nice to say at all. Also, the US is a very individualistic society as a whole, which contributes to selfish thinking, which then leads to people being rude or not always listening to what someone else has to say. It would be great if we could become a society that is more deeply concerned with the well being of others. I feel that this could become a reality if everyone tried to be more like those with the "inner light."
ReplyDeleteI agree with Katie in having thoughts that are very similar to the author. I feel that it is you who must work hard in order to better yourself and your soul. In regards to virtue, I found it interesting how the author divided all virtues into two categories, resume and eulogy. It never really occurred to me how greatly a person's virtues can influence their life and how they are remembered once they are gone. One of my favorite points that the author made was in respects to "the humility shift". It's shocking how many people think that it is important to show how great they are on things such as social media. However, I feel that it would benefit people greatly if individuals were more open to and accepting of not only their flaws, but others as well.
ReplyDeleteThis article was really interesting to read because of the fact that it made me think of all the people I know and if I can relate them to this article. In some way I was able to connect each and every friend that I have to this article whether it be in a way that they are a joy to be around or they are the exact opposite. I do have a lot of friends that try to present themselves to everyone and trying to "brag" on themselves or what they have. But I have multiple friends, mainly my close friends, that no matter what is going on they are just living life and not focusing on the bad and just enjoying what they can and what they have. It is amazing how after reading this article you can connect your friends and other people you know to what has been written.
ReplyDeleteI thoroughly enjoyed this article. Too often in today's society people get caught up in the rat race of life. We want to one up one another rather then help someone out. We think that the only way to happiness is through external materials rather then inward fulfillment through bettering others and the community. When the author says that his day is brightened when he meets someone who genuinely cares about others, it is a testament to the power of generosity and affection. The affection of love your neighbor as yourself affection. When people work together it makes for a much happier place to be.
ReplyDeleteBeing raised in a generation where social media and materialism is thriving I feel great pity for those who solely pride themselves on such external means. Brooks describes a deeply good being as seeking internal achievements as opposed to the majority today who seek social approval and material objects. Such good people become this way over time and can inspire others to form similar values and positively influence them to be better than they used to be rather than trying to be better than others. These sorts of morals and characteristics can be learned as Brooks says, but in today's world it is more difficult than ever. The world is a busy place and everyday you hear things like "there aren't enough hours in the day" indicating that they are too busy to take time for themselves. There are compassionate people who do have this "inner light" but it takes time to develop such characteristics. We should all strive for such inner self acceptance and characteristics knowing that it will change us for the better as well as positively affect others .
ReplyDeleteI agree that it takes time to develop "inner light". I also I believe that it takes people who already have the light to shine it on others. So they can be the light for someone else. Eventually, the world will have people watching out for each other instead of trying to compete with one another
DeleteI agree with the author when he states that meeting people who beam with the "inner light" can completely brighten up your day. Unfortunately, these types of people are hard to come by since many individuals become absorbed with the materialistic life. They often forget to observe and help out those who are around them, they are too caught up in their own success to slow down and reflect if they're on the right path in life or not.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading this article. I thought it was interesting when Brooks discussed the two types of virtues and saying that the resume ones were the ones that were stressed in the educational system in order to build a future, but the eulogy ones are the only ones that matter. I agree and think that one can learn from others how to develop eulogy virtues, even if they are not raised in an environment that teaches them these characteristics. But it only takes one person who reveal their "inner light" to inspire others to slow their lives down and do the same.
I would echo what everyone is saying. I think that at some point everyone is an "inner light" for someone else. It is hard to consistently be the "inner light" because at some point everyone has low moments. It is our responsibility to pass on the "inner light" to others and try our best to uphold quality standards on a daily basis. In order for us to do this, we as a society need to not be so materialistic. This aspect of our human nature eliminates opportunities for us to show our "inner lights." I think that we did need to have both types of virtues. However, the eulogy virtues need to heavily out weigh the other virtue. When we follow what we truly love in life and are passionate about, instead of what makes the most money, this is when the "inner lights" will be more prevalent.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that our world is very materialistic, which makes it difficult for many to possess this inner light. Do you think a way to combat that is to make sure that all schools take their students on service activities to make them aware of what it feel like to help people or what do you think needs to be done?
DeleteAfter reading this article it made me think about the movie Pay it Forward staring Haley Joel Osment. For those who don't know about the movie its about a boy who comes up with this great idea for a school project. He thought of the idea that if you doing three selfless acts for three people and then those three people do three selfless acts for 3 different people each and it creates this snow ball effect to help make the world a bit better. This kid possessed this inner light that the author David Brooks was talking about. We should all strive for this inner light even when we stumble. If we all try to reach this inner light it will make this world a better place.
ReplyDeleteThis article was refreshing to know that some thinks that this world is too self-involved. I think people of today need to realize, we need to live for the moment and not think about things that could get ahead in life. I'd rather have eulogy virtues instead of resume virtues. I feel that today's society needs to show more empathy towards each other. As generations come to pass, generosity has been lost. For the world to gain that back it starts at home.
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