What Does it Mean to be Morally Serious?
I think we are in a deep crisis of meaning in our society, and people are desperately trying to latch on to any source of meaning they can, and it’s led to a completely destroyed political center that is seemingly incapable of normative discourse.
As a concerned citizen, I am increasingly feeling like I need to contribute to trying to re-invigorate some normative discourse around liberal democratic values.
What does that mean when I say that the political center has become incapable of “normative discourse”? Well, that’s just a fancy way of saying that we’ve lost the capacity to explain to people, through moral storytelling, why people should care. It means that the believers in civilization have lost their capacity to tell stories about why civilization is worth our collective investment.
When John F. Kennedy gave his famous inaugural speech, asking “not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country”? Normative discourse. When Ronald Reagan challenged Mikhail Gorbachev to tear down the Berlin Wall, to thunderous applause in front of the Brandenburg Gate? Normative discourse. Yeah, we don’t seem all that much capable of it anymore.
It’s not at all surprising when you think of it. We’re all just staring at our screens all day. Taking selfies. Uploading our lives in desperate search of “likes” and most importantly, social clout. We’ve become a culture that has rewarded narcissism, and punished empathy. We are a culture that sees public service as, at best, a necessary evil. Wouldn’t it be better if this was all run by some Silicon Valley executive? Is at it all that surprising that it’s two narcissists — three if you count Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in addition to his other mental health issues — are what we have in front of us today? Nothing, of course, holds a candle to perhaps the most successful vulgar narcissist that this country has ever produced — Donald J. Trump. But I have to confess, as much as I want to see Joe Biden recover his legacy, his incapacity to meet this moment as he should, causes me to categorize him as yet another narcissist. He’s putting his own ego ahead of the greater good. But here’s the thing: a narcissistic culture produces narcissistic leaders. Is it really at all that surprising that the most narcissistic among us, see Donald Trump as “authentic”. He is, in fact, very authentic, if narcissism is your moral center.
But as you might guess, as the title of this essay implies, I am going to suggest that none of these people deserve any real claim on being morally serious actors.
To me, moral seriousness is a complex topic. From the philosopher’s perspective, I think you might describe it as someone who takes normative discourse very seriously. But I bring an admittedly — if you’ll excuse me — normative character to moral seriousness. But one I argue is based in our nature. Based in our sense of safety. Love. Kinship. The sense there is something greater. Community. Nation. God or spirituality. I am not religious, but I find great comfort in thinking about our unique perch upon a cold, dark universe. For me the project of civilization itself is a greater good, and my commitment to it is absolute. But for others, a belief in an even higher power. We don’t need to get into the metaphysics of it all. What I’m about to say applies if you’re religious or if you’re not.
Being morally serious means acknowledging the contingency of existence. This is the understanding that our existence and the circumstances of our lives are not predetermined but are influenced by historical (things that came before), social (the people around us), and personal factors (our own egos). It’s about recognizing that who we are is shaped by the events and contexts in which we live.
Being morally serious means striving to understand your historical context. Understanding and being aware of the historical forces and events that shape our present lives. This awareness helps us appreciate the struggles and sacrifices of those who came before us and informs our decisions about the future.
Being morally serious means being historically situated. This means acknowledging that our lives are embedded within a specific historical context (history happened the way it did, it did not happen a different way). We are part of this continuous timeline and the actions we make today are limited by or buttressed by, actions that came before us. Our actions can contribute to present and future history.
Being morally serious means acknowledging the sacrifices and struggles of the past. Here, you take seriously that your current opportunities and freedoms are often the result of the hard work, sacrifices, and struggles of previous generations. This recognition adds depth to our sense of responsibility.
Being morally serious means considering the impact on future generations. Taking into account how our actions will affect those who come after us. Moral seriousness involves considering this, too. We ultimately will leave a legacy. It is the only thing which will survive our own deaths.
Being morally serious is considering the source of meaning. The source of meaning is twofold: it comes from self-actualization (personal growth and fulfillment) and from the stories and traditions we inherit from the past. Meaning is derived not just from individual achievements but from our connections to these larger narratives.
Being morally serious means recognizing the continuum of human experience. This concept recognizes that we are part of a continuous human story that stretches from the past into the future. Our lives are linked to those who came before us and those who will come after us.
Being morally serious means contribution to the collective narrative. This means taking very seriously that we are contributors to the ongoing story of humanity. It’s about taking responsibility for how our actions impact the broader narrative and striving to leave a positive legacy — to leave the world better than you found it.
Being morally serious means being a good author of your story. This is about recognizing that here, you have the most agency you have of anything else in the world. You have control over the person you are and can be. Being a good author of your story means making conscious, responsible choices that consider the broader implications of your actions.
Being morally serious means considering more than individual achievement. True fulfillment and moral integrity comes from contributing to something larger than oneself. It’s about making a meaningful impact on the world and being part of the collective human endeavor.
When I talk about being a morally serious person, these are the qualities I’m talking about. They don’t necessarily point to what immigration policy we should have, what taxes should be, or what we should and should not regulate in our commerce. But I see these principles, as core pillars of normative thought upon which to build a liberal polity.
