As I get older, my quest for individualism wanes and I become more deeply involved with community issues. Learning to think for self is necessary, but self does not have all the answers. Respectful interaction is learned, not inherent, especially with younger Gen X, Y and V. Living in a society requires social connectedness acceptance of boundaries against infringement. How the self is conducted in a community is a direct reflection of personal morals. This is civic virtue.
"Whereas physical capital refers to physical objects and human capital refers to the properties of individuals, social capital refers to connections among individuals – social networks and the norms of reciprocity and trustworthiness that arise from them. In that sense social capital is closely related to what some have called “civic virtue.” The difference is that “social capital” calls attention to the fact that civic virtue is most powerful when embedded in a sense network of reciprocal social relations. A society of many virtuous but isolated individuals is not necessarily rich in social capital." -Robert Putnam
A flourishing community is the result of individuals righteously practicing basic principles for the betterment of the whole.
Robert Putnam defines three civic virtues:
- Active participation in public life
- Trustworthiness
- Reciprocity acquired through social connectedness
How do you rate your civic virtue?
"We believe our profession is in a strong position to succeed in the 21st century. None of the new roles we have described is currently the responsibility of an existing department, and our evolution as a function has prepared us well to take them on. Although success will require new approaches, deeper business knowledge and new skills and measurements, we are ready for this moment." — Arthur W. Page Society, The Authentic Enterprise
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