The Idea That Is America
What Is the Idea That Is America?
That is exactly the question considered by author and pre-eminent foreign affairs expert Anne-Marie Slaughter in her new book, The Idea That Is America, whose title is based on a comment made by an Army Captain back from Iraq. Slaughter is Dean of the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University and someone who writes and speaks extensively about foreign policy theory.
Forcefully written and well-timed, The Idea That Is America suggests there are some supremely American values that, even in the face of danger, we would do well to keep strong, namely: liberty, democracy, equality, justice, tolerance, humility and faith. While some might argue for the inclusion or omission of other basic principles, it is, for the most part, a reasonable list of the ties that bind us as a nation. Slaughter goes on to say that as as a global political force, our foreign policy should be based on those beliefs. Most importantly, the author reminds us that as the U.S. goes about the world promoting American ideals, we must be honest about our own imperfect track record of holding fast (or not) to democratic principles, especially of late.
While The Idea That Is America does a fine job of suggesting the need for a values-based foreign policy, for me the book begs a second question. If our survival as a democratic nation requires careful attention to our founding ideas, then surely the same is true for us on a personal level. Living for the Greater Good, or InSpiritry, begins with core values that form the basis of our understanding of the world as “not just about me.” That leads to a paraphrase of Dr. Slaughter’s question:
What is the Idea That is Each of Us?
While many of us know which political party we favor and most of us know what faith tradition represents our beliefs and a few of us have explored our thoughts on controversial social topics, I am guessing a very small portion of us can make a clear and concise statement of “the idea that is me.”
That said, there is no time like the present! Take a minute to consider what values are the foundation of your everyday actions? What principles do you hold dear within your family? What ideas are always true for you as you interact with others? What virtues come first at your place of business? What is your personal code of ethics? What principles fuel your Passion for the Greater Good?
Look again at Dr. Slaughter’s list and then consider other prinicples: kindness, sharing, responsibility, compassion, courage, hard work, patience, self-discipline, loyalty, friendship, perseverance, joy, grace, independence, long-suffering, hope.
Make a list of the ones that are undeniable for you! Then, once you have made your list, take some time to note:
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Who helped you develop those basic beliefs?
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What events forged your ideas?
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When did you first come to each core value?
Those answers should affirm you–and are stories to keep handy for sharing! Finally,
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Think of times when you have stood fast for each of your core values.
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And then perhaps some times when you didn’t!
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Which things seem to give you trouble?
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On the other hand, which things have led to personal or organizational success?
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How are you living out your values at work and at home?
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How are you teaching them to others?
If Dr. Slaughter is right in The Idea That Is America, even in the face of danger or disagreement, our place in the world is to defend and spread the ideas that make America so great! To do that we have to know, understand and affirm what those ideas are.
The same is true for each of us. Our role as world citizens depends in large part on the beliefs that spark our passion for the Greater Good. The best thing we can do is name those things and keep them as a vital ethical force in our lives. In creating this website, I took stock of my ideas in the same way, and my InSpiritry values are: community, compassion, creativity, collaboration, consilience, courage and celebration (more about those at my website InSpiritry.com).
As you follow your desire to serve the Greater Good, all values are important, but the most important thing is to remember:
You Can Be a Blessing!
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January 23rd, 2008 at 9:45 pm
There is a lengthy interview with Anne-Marie Slaughter, author of The Idea That Is America, in the Winter, 2007-08 issue of Greater Good Magazine. In it, Slaughter suggests America could become a socially intelligent superpower of those who “can’t bear to see us betray the things we way we stand for.”