CHOICES ETHICAL LEADERS MAKE LEAD TO A FULFILLING LIFE

The relatively new School of Positive Psychology has hit a responsive chord with me of late. Accordingly, the presentation of topics over the next several posts on The Character Building Project will apply this school of thought to successful political leaders I have known. More specifically, the 2004 work of Seligman and Peterson entitled Character Strengths and Virtues as well as Seligman’s 2011 book Flourish: A Visionary New Understanding of Happiness and Well-Being continue to influence my thinking.

Seligman gives proper credit to the long tradition within philosophy that discussed the meaning of fulfillment…

            Rather, what counts, as fulfillment must past the “deathbed test”. How might people, if able to collect their thoughts in the face of death complete the sentence: “I wish I had spent more time________”? It is doubtful anyone would say “visiting Disneyland” or eating ice cream. These activities are fun but not fulfilling. At least in our society, the deathbed test is instead met by activities that pertain to work and love broadly construed, as in, “I wish I had spent more time making a mark on the world.” In a less secular society, people might wish they had spent more time praising God and giving thanks.

I was pleasantly surprised that Seligman, a modern day (positive) psychologist would be at home with thinking of my old friends Aristotle and Cicero.

It is my observation that ethical politicians lead “achieving and satisfying lives” by pursuing something larger than their own careers. Seeking happiness in itself is, as I have observed in Politics with Principle, a poor moral guide. Few succeed very long by only looking out for number one, for very little that is positive is solitary.  The political leaders I studied create satisfying lives by serving causes larger than their own self-interest as well as by deploying character strengths that lead to long-term relationships. They are animated by what they do with their life is of value and worthwhile. They focus on their campaign victories, what went right in their lives rather than the negative events and election defeats. Political leaders I have known are more in touch with their positive attributes and strengths rather than correcting their weaknesses. Such character strengths and the willful choices to pursue morally praiseworthy activities contribute to a fulfilling life, political or otherwise.