Even a cursory look at modern society reveals a distinct lack of cultural conservatism. Traditional moral norms once seen as essential are now viewed as impediments to individual self-expression. The stereotypical nuclear family no longer exists for many Americans. For example, as of 2010 every state legalized no-fault divorce. Relatedly, the CDC found that nearly 40 percent of children were born out of wedlock in 2022. Such a radical alteration in the body politic signals a similar shift in values. Thus, coupled with the decline of social conservatism is an absence of cultural conservation. Cities around the country make a habit of removing monuments of famous American heroes. In 2021, New York City removed a statue of Thomas Jefferson from city hall. Two years later, Revolutionary War hero Philip Schuyler met a similar fate in Albany. Sadly, many consider our historical inheritance a burden rather than a blessing. Our lack of cultural conservation is disturbing because culture is inherently conservative. Successive generations accumulate knowledge in order to distill enduring wisdom. Dissociating from the past leads to a disintegration rather than a renewal of culture.
While the dislocation of family life and the removal of statues may seem to have little in common, they both serve a common purpose: liberating the individual. Discarding history frees us from the burdens of the past and erasing familial norms frees the individual will. By contrast, traditional mores restrain individual action and encourage gratitude towards those who make our lives possible. Thus, the rejuvenation of individual responsibility and American history both require the restoration of a traditional moral outlook.
It is quite common for conservatives to remark on the necessity of a moral reawakening but their rhetoric is occasionally uninspired. It often contains prohibitions rather than affirmations. Hence the stereotype of the religious person as a boring teetotaler. While this generalization is unfair it points to the lack of success that has followed attempts to restore cultural norms. No one wants to give up a life of adventure for what is viewed as a dull existence. The image of the ascetic Chrsitian whom Edward Gibbon described as “embrace[ing] a life of misery, as the price of eternal happines[s]” probably comes to mind for many people. Thus, any rejuvenation of a Christian ethics requires a healthy dose of humanism. Proponents of a God-given moral order must also affirm the capacity of individuals to effect change and attain a sense of meaning.
At this point in our history, the study of Greek and Roman heroes is a necessary antidote to our moral malaise. Plutarch’s Parallel Lives are a great place to start. These short biographies examine the lives of Greek and Roman statesmen in pairs. At the beginning of his Life of Aemilius Paullus, Plutarch describes the ethical purpose of his work; “I treat the narratives as a kind of mirror and try to find a way to arrange my life and assimilate it to the virtues of my subjects.” Plutarch recognized that reading about great men is not only entertaining, it forces us to reflect on our own conduct. Moreover, Plutarch did not conduct his inquiry with the cynicism of the modern historian. Although his heroes were flawed, he claimed that their examples “equip me…to repel and keep at bay anything pernicious or malicious or contemptible my association which those I deal with may bring, because I calmly and composedly turn my thoughts away from such aspects towards exemplars of unparalleled worth.” Examples of human greatness encourage us to emulate virtue and illustrate the adventures associated with upright conduct. While the romance of Cleopatra and Antony is often romanticized, the reader of Plutarch recognizes that Antony’s lust was his least interesting trait. Only when he inspires his troops like a man does he command admiration.
Even Suetonius’ salacious biographies of the Caesars provide moral instruction to the attentive reader. His writings show that the unfettered desires of a prince can lead to incredibly dark places. On the positive side, however, the example of Augustus reinforces the value of studying history. After restoring the statues of great Romans he stated that “[t]his has been done to make my fellow citizens insist that both I (while I live) and the leaders of following ages shall not fall below the standard set by those great men of old.” Thus, both Plutarch the philosopher and Augustus the political leader recognized the need to study great actions.
Rediscovering classical heroes helps imbue individuals with a sense that their lives have meaning. Plutarch’s vivid descriptions of moral virtue show that far from leading to boredom, personal restraint leads to adventure. His heroes changed the course of history through patriotic service and a willingness to accept the burdens of responsible citizenship. Thus, nearly two millennia later, they can still serve as a mirror for our souls.
