What is Important

A discussion is taking place across America about what is important.  The Great Recession has fallen on people’s dreams and aspirations like a ton of bricks.  Too many of us began to define our self-worth not by who we are and what we do, but instead by what we own and how much money we make. Now that most people’s net-worth has decreased and may earn less (or nothing at all), many are re-examining the less tangible things in life – relationships, ideas, community and faith.

There is a growing number of books coming to market that are talking about this idea in some fashion.  One that has come to my attention is “Rediscovering Values” by Jim Wallis. I am reading this book right now, and find that Jim’s voice is strong and makes a lot of sense. He argues early on that people became too used to getting something from nothing. Among the values that are lost is the one that suggests we need to earn or work for what we get. The book sets out an agenda for rediscovering the basic values that form the core of a just and fair society.

There is also a new book by Ted Leonis called “The Business of Happiness.” This book takes on the notion that money makes you happy.  In a recent interview on WTOP radio in Washington, DC, Leonis said; "There are a lot of things that we share as people that drive happiness, and to be blunt, money isn't one of them. Money can be an enabler; it is really not at the core of what makes people self-actualized and happy.”  I really like his anti-intuitive argument that one of the best ways for people who are suffering economically the most in the current Great Recession to be happy in their personal life is for them to volunteer and help others. He points out how important it is to engage in various communities of interest and makes friends around those interests.

Wallis also raises the larger issue. If we are drawn up short by this calamity and are re-examining core values, what are we going to do to make sure we don’t repeat the same mistakes.  And that is the real question we face. There is no question that there is an imbalance in America in the distribution of wealth.

At some point, enough is too much. The issues go to the core of a just society and a democratic society. The values discussion about what is important and what makes or enables people to live happy lives isn’t going to be easy. It must, however, begin to change our culture and then enable public policy that reflects that culture. I commend a very good organization that is working on these issues United for a Fair Economy.  Their mission statement says it all: “UFE raises awareness that concentrated wealth and power undermine the economy, corrupt democracy, deepen the racial divide, and tear communities apart. We support and help build social movements for greater equality.”