Morality

Introduction

In a world that seems increasingly chaotic and divided, Rabbi Jonathan Sacks offers a thoughtful exploration of morality and its role in society. His book "Morality: Restoring the Common Good in Divided Times" examines how we arrived at our current state of social turbulence and proposes ways to move forward as a unified community. Drawing on his extensive knowledge of philosophy, religion, and social science, Sacks presents a compelling case for the importance of shared moral values in creating a stable and thriving society.

The Rise of Individualism and Its Consequences

One of the central themes in Sacks' book is the shift towards individualism in modern society. This trend has had far-reaching effects on our personal lives, relationships, and social structures.

The Isolation of the Individual

Sacks uses the metaphor of a symphony to illustrate the importance of community. Just as a beautiful orchestral piece requires the coordinated efforts of many musicians, a thriving society needs the collective contributions of its members. However, our culture has increasingly emphasized individual achievement and self-reliance.

This focus on the individual is reflected in various aspects of our lives:

1. Living arrangements: The percentage of people living alone has doubled in the last 50 years, with nearly half of all people in large cities living by themselves.

2. Family structures: People are marrying later and having fewer children.

3. Social engagement: Participation in community groups and organizations has declined.

4. Popular culture: Even song lyrics have shifted from using "we" and "us" to more "me" and "I" centered language.

The consequences of this isolation are significant. Chronic loneliness has been linked to serious health issues, with some studies suggesting it's as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Moreover, this individualistic mindset has fueled the self-help industry, which often promotes narcissistic solutions that further isolate people.

The Erosion of Meaningful Relationships

The rise of social media has dramatically changed how we interact with others. While these platforms offer unprecedented connectivity, they often fail to foster deep, meaningful relationships.

1. Superficial connections: The average person may have hundreds of online "friends," but only a handful of true friends they can rely on in times of need.

2. Screen time: Increased time spent on electronic devices correlates with decreased face-to-face interactions, especially among teenagers.

3. Empathy deficit: Studies have shown a correlation between increased social media use and lower levels of empathy.

4. Depression: Heavy social media use has been linked to higher rates of depression.

These changes in how we form and maintain relationships make it more challenging to think beyond ourselves and consider the needs of others – a crucial aspect of moral behavior.

The Impact on Economics and Happiness

The emphasis on individualism has also affected our economic systems and our understanding of happiness.

Self-Interest in Economics

While the free-market economy has undoubtedly brought many benefits, including lifting millions out of poverty, it can also lead to destructive outcomes when unchecked by moral considerations. The 2008 financial crisis serves as a stark example of what can happen when self-interest runs rampant without regard for the common good.

Sacks argues that a balance is needed between individual initiative and moral responsibility. The pursuit of profit should be tempered by a concern for fairness and justice.

Redefining Happiness

Our conception of happiness has also shifted. Historically, philosophers like Aristotle viewed true happiness (eudaimonia) as the result of living a virtuous life. Today, happiness is often equated simply with feeling good or experiencing pleasure.

This shift has profound implications:

1. Short-term focus: It encourages individuals and businesses to prioritize immediate gratification over long-term well-being.

2. Lack of moral dimension: By divorcing happiness from virtue, we lose an important motivator for ethical behavior.

3. Materialism: The pursuit of happiness becomes tied to acquiring things rather than cultivating meaningful relationships or contributing to society.

Sacks suggests that we need to reconsider our understanding of happiness, recognizing the deep satisfaction that comes from living a life of purpose and connection to others.

The Need for Shared Moral Codes

A central argument in Sacks' book is that a stable society requires a shared moral framework. Without this common ground, social cohesion breaks down, leading to various problems.

The Role of the State

Sacks traces the philosophical debate about the role of government, contrasting the views of thinkers like John Locke (who emphasized individual rights) with those of Jean-Jacques Rousseau (who focused on the common good). In recent decades, he argues, Rousseau's view has prevailed, with people expecting the state to provide an ever-expanding range of services and benefits.

However, when the state fails to meet these expectations, it leads to:

1. Disappointment and anger
2. Loss of faith in traditional political institutions
3. Vulnerability to populist movements and authoritarian leaders

The Rise of Identity Politics

Another factor contributing to social fragmentation is the rise of identity politics. This ideology encourages people to strongly identify with specific demographic categories, such as race, gender, or sexual orientation. While it can give voice to marginalized groups, it can also:

1. Emphasize differences over commonalities
2. Create conflict between groups
3. Undermine a sense of shared national or community identity

Learning from Religion

Sacks suggests that we can learn from religious traditions in addressing these challenges. Many faiths have maintained stable communities over long periods by:

1. Teaching the importance of shared moral codes
2. Encouraging people to find support in their community rather than relying solely on government or individual efforts
3. Taking a more conservative approach to social change

The Importance of Truth in Moral Communities

In our current "post-truth" era, Sacks emphasizes the critical role of truth in maintaining a moral society.

The Challenge of Misinformation

The spread of misinformation has become easier than ever due to:

1. Unscrupulous politicians
2. Biased news organizations
3. Social media echo chambers

This flood of false or misleading information makes it difficult for people to agree on basic facts, let alone complex moral issues.

The Impact of Postmodernism

Sacks traces some of these issues back to the rise of postmodernist philosophy, which questions the existence of objective truth. While this perspective can be valuable in some contexts, it can also undermine the shared beliefs and values necessary for society to function.

The Role of Universities

Traditionally, universities played a crucial role in seeking and disseminating truth. However, Sacks argues that this role has been compromised by:

1. The concept of "safe spaces" that limit open dialogue
2. Efforts to exclude controversial speakers or ideas from campuses
3. A culture that prioritizes avoiding offense over pursuing truth

Constructive Disagreement

Sacks proposes the Jewish concept of "argument for the sake of heaven" as a model for how we can disagree productively:

1. Both sides respect each other's beliefs and intellect
2. There is no censorship or lecturing
3. Participants both speak and listen carefully
4. The goal is to find truth, not to win an argument

By adopting this approach, we can build trust and strengthen our shared moral framework even in the face of disagreement.

Moving Forward: Building a Moral Future

In the latter part of the book, Sacks offers guidance on how we can work towards a more moral society.

Learning from the Past Without Being Trapped by It

Sacks uses the example of Holocaust survivors like Yisrael Kristal to illustrate the importance of acknowledging past wrongs without letting them define our future. He cautions against some current trends, such as:

1. Public shaming on social media, which often lacks due process and can be disproportionate
2. Seeking revenge rather than justice
3. Focusing on condemning the past rather than building a better future

Instead, he advocates for:

1. Offering opportunities for repentance and rectification
2. Practicing forgiveness
3. Maintaining civility and respect even in disagreement

Embracing Human Agency and Meaning-Making

Sacks pushes back against deterministic views of human behavior, whether from evolutionary biology, Freudian psychology, or Marxist theory. Instead, he emphasizes:

1. The importance of free will and human dignity
2. Our ability to make choices and create meaning
3. The responsibility that comes with this freedom

He presents a crucial choice: do we create individual meanings or shared, communal meanings? Sacks argues strongly for the latter, as it allows us to build communities based on trust, cooperation, and mutual respect.

Recognizing Diverse Moral Codes

While advocating for shared moral frameworks, Sacks also acknowledges the diversity of moral codes across cultures. He introduces the concept of "thick" and "thin" moral codes:

1. Thin moral codes: Universal principles like "Don't harm others"
2. Thick moral codes: Specific cultural norms, rituals, and taboos

Sacks argues that while we should respect different codes, it's important to commit to one and share it with a community. He likens this to language – it works best when you know one well and can use it regularly with others.

The Role of Religion in Moral Codes

While noting the decline of organized religion in the West, Sacks points out its historical importance in spreading moral codes and facilitating large-scale cooperation. He cites examples like the water management rituals in Bali, which help coordinate complex irrigation systems.

Taking Responsibility for Change

Sacks emphasizes that we cannot rely on the market or the state to solve our moral crisis. Instead, we must take responsibility ourselves. He advocates for:

1. Acts of kindness and compassion
2. Shifting from an "I" mindset to a "we" mindset
3. Building covenants of mutual responsibility within communities

He calls this the "politics of covenant," where individuals, businesses, and communities focus more on cooperation than self-interest.

Practical Steps Towards a Moral Society

Throughout the book, Sacks offers various suggestions for how we can work towards a more moral society:

1. Practice "unselfing": Step outside yourself and evaluate your behavior from an outsider's perspective. Consider how others experience your actions.

2. Cultivate face-to-face relationships: Make an effort to spend more time in person with friends and family, rather than relying solely on digital communication.

3. Seek deeper happiness: Focus on the satisfaction that comes from meaningful relationships and contributing to your community, rather than just pursuing pleasure or material gains.

4. Engage in constructive disagreement: When discussing controversial topics, practice respectful dialogue that aims to find truth rather than win arguments.

5. Commit to a moral code: Choose a set of ethical principles and actively practice them in your daily life.

6. Build covenants: Work to create mutual agreements of responsibility within your community, workplace, or other social groups.

7. Perform acts of kindness: Regularly reach out to help others, even in small ways.

8. Foster forgiveness: When wronged, seek justice rather than revenge, and be open to genuine attempts at reconciliation.

9. Create shared meanings: Engage with others to develop common understandings and values that can guide your community.

10. Take responsibility: Don't wait for others to solve societal problems. Take initiative in addressing issues in your community.

Conclusion

In "Morality: Restoring the Common Good in Divided Times," Rabbi Jonathan Sacks presents a compelling case for the importance of shared moral values in creating a stable and thriving society. He argues that our current social turbulence is largely due to an overemphasis on individualism, which has eroded our sense of community and shared responsibility.

Sacks traces this shift through various aspects of modern life, from our living arrangements and relationships to our economic systems and understanding of happiness. He highlights how the loss of shared moral codes has left us vulnerable to misinformation, polarization, and social fragmentation.

However, the book is not merely a critique of modern society. Sacks offers hope and guidance for moving forward. He emphasizes the importance of human agency and our ability to create meaning. He advocates for a return to communal thinking, where we consider the needs of others alongside our own.

Drawing on religious traditions, philosophical concepts, and contemporary research, Sacks provides a roadmap for building a more moral society. He encourages us to commit to ethical codes, engage in respectful dialogue, and take personal responsibility for creating positive change.

Ultimately, Sacks' message is one of hope and empowerment. While the challenges we face are significant, he believes that by working together and recommitting to shared moral values, we can create a more just, compassionate, and thriving society for all.

As we navigate the complexities of the modern world, Sacks' insights offer valuable guidance. By balancing individual freedom with communal responsibility, embracing constructive disagreement, and focusing on building covenants of mutual care, we can work towards a future that honors both our diversity and our shared humanity. In doing so, we may find that the path to personal fulfillment and societal progress are one and the same – rooted in our connections to each other and our commitment to the common good.