Exploring the essence of fatherhood, the discussion emphasizes collective responsibility for all children, not just biological ones. Traditional views of loyalty can create unhealthy norms like nepotism. The conversation urges listeners to think beyond their immediate families, advocating a communal approach to nurturing future generations. Drawing on Stoic wisdom, it highlights the importance of caring for everyone’s kids to foster a stronger, more just society. Together, we can create a better world for all.
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volunteer_activism ADVICE
Think Bigger Than Family
Think beyond your immediate family and consider the well-being of the entire community.
Embrace a broader perspective of "our kids" to encompass everyone's children.
insights INSIGHT
Shifting Definitions of "Our Own"
Societal definitions of "our own" have narrowed, focusing on race or blood relatives rather than the larger community.
This shift has negative consequences.
insights INSIGHT
Generational Thinking and the Common Good
We must think generationally and consider the common good, not just our own children's needs.
The Stoics believed we are interconnected and responsible for one another.
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We take care of our own, we say. Family is family. Blood is thicker than water. These are noble sentiments that have encouraged beautiful sacrifice, forgiveness, and accomplishments. One problem with it though is that it too easily justifies provincialism and nepotism.
A recent social critic observed that not long ago when people talked about getting together to do something “for our kids,” whether it was build a swimming pool or invest in education, it was obvious that they meant everybody’s kids. Or, at least, they meant more than just their biological kids.
But unfortunately, that’s changed. When we say “our own” we don’t think Americans or whatever country we live in, we think race. Or we think our blood relatives. That’s awful. This system we live in demands that we think of ourselves as more than just parents to our own kids. We have to think generationally. We can’t just think about getting ours, or protecting ours.We have to think like a village, like a group.
The Stoics remind us that we are “made for each other.” Marcus Aurelius spoke dozens of times about the “common good.” He didn’t just care about his kids. He cared about everybody’s kids. Because that’s what justice—what doing the right thing—demands of us.
It’s better to think of “our kids” as everybody. We’re all in this together, every single dad. We’re all better if we’re doing better, together.
The Daily Dad