21st-century virtues, how they are failing our democracy, Lucinda Holdforth
Type
Label
21st-century virtues, how they are failing our democracy, Lucinda Holdforth
Language
eng
Bibliography note
Includes bibliographical references
Index
no index present
Literary Form
non fiction
Main title
21st-century virtues
Nature of contents
bibliography
Responsibility statement
Lucinda Holdforth
Series statement
In the national interest
Sub title
how they are failing our democracy
Summary
Authenticity. Vulnerability. Humility. Transparency. These are some of the 21st-century virtues proselytised by mindset gurus, paraded (if not practised) by big corporations, and lauded by professionals on LinkedIn. The quest for authenticity, for example, is central to progressive campaigns for greater diversity and inclusion, while our political and business leaders are highest praised if they appear to be humble. But are Australia's newest virtues fit for purpose? Lucinda Holdforth questions the new orthodoxy. She suggests that these virtues are not only unhelpfully subjective and self-referential but also, in the absence of broader civic values, fail to serve our democracy. Holdforth reminds us that arguments for transparency and authenticity are routinely used by totalitarian regimes to justify ultra-nationalism, artistic censorship and population surveillance. Vulnerability may be a facet of the human condition but that is surely no reason to make it an aspiration. If we agree that Australia needs confident, rational, optimistic and outward-looking citizens to shape our future, then Holdforth challenges us to reconsider the contemporary virtues shaping our society
Target audience
adult
resource.variantTitle
Twenty-first-century virtues
Creator
Subject
Content
Is Part Of
Incoming Resources
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