Are Most College Students Essentially Self-Absorbed?
Last Thursday before addressing the students of Belmont Abbey College, I was graciously hosted to dinner by three professors from the political science department. During our dinner conversation the question arose as to whether or not most college-aged students in the United States display a psychological perspective that is essentially self-absorbed—one emphasizing personal gain, with a limited ability to subordinate one’s self-interest for the good of others, or for shared values? Continue reading
Courage in America: Interview Questions
I am grateful for suggestions from readers of the Character Building Project as they have added value to our study of courage. It is proving to be a more complex topic than I first anticipated. Because I recognize how probing the topic can be for young military men and women who have experienced war zones, I want to prepare thoroughly, to hone well the interview questions that will shape this project. I want them to be both empathetic and insightful. Continue reading
AN OLD MORAL VISION FOR TODAY’S COLLEGE STUDENTS
Yesterday’s post encouraging readers to forward articles they think of interest to the Character Building Project begot an opinion piece from today’s Wall Street Journal. The article is by John Garvey, the President of The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. Reverting to single sex dorms is, in my opinion, a practical answer which will encourage good habits.
Key Ingredients to Good Character: Virtue, Trust, Resilience, Leadership
A goal of the Character Building Project CBP is to serve the character-building community by shining a light on its prominent thought leaders. Toward that end, in the last few months, we have identified dozens of character experts. Several have dedicated much of their entire professional life to enhancing character development through their research, writing and teaching. Four have found success by researching specific elements of good character such as handling adversity, exhibiting leadership, cultivating virtue, and building trust. These four authors provide us with valuable resources…
BLESSED JOHN PAUL II… A LIFE WELL SPENT
A recent post asked, how will your obituary be written? Ever since being university trained by the Jesuits and more recently after reading Cicero’s, “On a Life Well Spent,” I have purposely devoted much thought to the closely related question of “What makes life worth living?” Continue reading
THE INSTITUTE FOR PUBLIC TRUST: TEACHING VALUES ESSENTIAL FOR PUBLIC SERVICE
University students devote considerable time to studying science, philosophy, religion and art. Wise students use these disciplines to seek the answer to the question Aristotle asked centuries ago: How should one lead one’s life? As students leave school and progress onto their working career, hopefully, they will have gained some insights and answer that question correctly. After college life becomes as the poet T.S. Eliot describes: “As we grow older, the world becomes stranger, the patterns more complicated.” It takes moral strength to lead one’s life well, to persevere over a lifetime in the discharge of our duties to God, family, and country. Continue reading
Kerrigan Address to the Knights of Columbus Padre Pio Council St. Catherine of Siena Parish
THANK YOU GARY AND THE KNIGHTS FOR GATHERING SO MANY FRIENDS.
In the next 15 minutes, I will discuss my book and the virtues needed to be an honest politician. Then I will profile two of the four Catholic characters and share some lessons learned. Continue reading
LEADERSHIP IS VIRTUE IN ACTION
The Character Building Project (CBP) continues to provide support for and exposure to those working to improve character in America. Members of the character community are sharing their lectures and best practices as CBP offers a platform to expand the audience of those interested in character and virtue. Alex Havard, of the Havard Leadership Institute, has shared an interview conducted at the Army Navy Club in Washington. Alex often tells us leadership is about virtue in action. Learn more of Alex’s views on virtuous leadership at http://hvli.org/video/.
KINDNESS IS A VIRTUE, COMPASSION IS AN ART
The following link was forwarded from my pal, Richard Kane.
If you want to appreciate the wonderful work and portrait of Kaziah Hancock, a true artist, please visit.
http://www.militarytimes.com/hancock