The Parable of the Sadhu

Twilight of the Elites?

People have lost faith in pillar institutions (i.e., government, business, the Church) because those institutions have broken a social contract where people grant power in exchange for a smoothly operating society.

— Christopher Hayes,Editor, The Nation

writing in Time Magazine

Confidence in Institutions

Military

Small Business

Police

Organized Religion

Medical System

Presidency

Supreme Court

Public Schools

Court System

Newspapers

Television News

Organized Labor

Banks

Big Business

HMOs

Congress

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80

Great Deal Quite A LotSource: Gallup, June 7-10, 2012

Twilight of the Elites?

What are we to do in the wake of this broad-based implosion?

Reform institutions to reconstitute a more reliable and democratic form of authority.

— Christopher Hayes,Editor, The Nation

writing in Time Magazine

Twilight of the Elites?

To build a more reliable and democratic form of authority, there also must be an ethical framework guiding future decision-making.

It’s not being taught.

The Lack of Ethical Education Compulsory Coursework is Minimal

Graduate School Undergraduate School High School

Survey of Greek Philosophers It’s Greek to me!

Parable of the Sadhu

Backpackers in Nepal

New Zealander discovers an unconscious Indian sadhu

He was alive!

Parable of the Sadhu

Carried below Snow Line

Treated for Hypothermia

Given Clothing

Food and Water

Shown a Safer Path

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Individual vs. Group

Money at a Problem?

Immediate Response

Failure to Act is a Decision

No One Can Quit!

Individual vs. Group

Everyone has a Mountain

Stress is the Real Test

Build the Foundation

Leaders must encourage their organizations and support their employees.

Encourage freedom of inquiry

Support personal values

Forge a common set of values, beliefs, and expectations.

The Parable of the Sadhu