The Lessons From One of a Nation's First Philosopher, Humanitarian and Warrior

 Let us continue exploring the most effective ways to maximize human capital in any society. Talent can emerge from any race, religion, political view, geography or background. Those who become the most successful—and most capable of elevating society—share certain values and beliefs that, when combined with skills, knowledge, and a receptive environment, can generate profound benefits for everyone. In contrast, hate and corruption create rigid barriers that shut out people who could otherwise contribute positively to collective success.

A philosopher discussing
the need to row together
to the same destination.

While we may have been born
and raised in little islands
of social self-understanding
we should be judged not on the
specific island but on the willingness
to row together toward a 
a shared destination.

To examine these ideas, consider a philosophical, theoretical, and hypothetical learning thought experiment that illustrates a worst-case scenario: a complete justice default rooted in hate and corruption. This scenario, often referred to as “the story of the clan,” shows how destructive behaviors can take hold when selfishness and bigotry are allowed to spread unchecked. In this narrative, corrupt actors used what became known as a “clan court” to enrich allies, amplify prejudice, and retaliate against whistleblowers and victims who reported wrongdoing.

Yet even within this bleak scenario, there is a silver lining. Good officials, ethical officers, and community members guided by genuine moral conscience and shared oaths stepped forward. They recognized that something sacred was being undermined and chose to stand for principles greater than themselves. Through their courage, they created opportunities where none existed and planted a higher vision for society—one with deep and lasting roots. They each saw where they needed to go and worked together to row in that direction.

We are not born in a vacuum. How we treat people determines whether we draw them in or push them away. Those who engage in aggressive behaviors, manipulation, or cruelty are rarely the individuals we want in leadership roles, as they often carry traits associated with the dark triad and worldview distortions that divide rather than unite communities.

When we take time to learn about people—their backgrounds, struggles, hopes, and humanity—we discover how much we share. Human life is sacred, and societies throughout history have recognized this by building foundational principles that apply to all, emphasizing shared values rather than superficial differences. When self-interest and disdain drive decision-making, chaos and victimization inevitably follow. The pattern noticeable.

I often reflect on influential figures in history, not because they were perfect, but because their insights can be profoundly instructive. Consider, for example, the words of George Washington and the perceptual shift required to launch a new nation grounded in shared ideals and social contracts. People fought for those values, and they apply as much to the governed as to those who govern. The very idea of being “indivisible” demands inclusivity, shared purpose, and a commitment to what strengthens us all.

In 1790 Newport George Washington stated to a Hebrew congregation, the country “gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance.”. These are profound words for the time and become even more profound today and for our future. Over the holidays let us reflect on what we all have in common no matter our religion, race, politics, perception, and occupations. We are in this ship together, it is our ship and belongs to no one else, so let us start rowing like a team and continue on our journey as a united people toward our over the horizon ideals passed from generation to generation.