A Critical Look at America's Moral Crossroads

In 2026, a well-known writer, David Brooks, penned his final column. He painted a grim picture of America's current state. Brooks argued that the country had become meaner and more pessimistic. He also claimed that global populism was turning America into a ruthless nation. Brooks believed that disillusionment had led people to embrace brutality. He argued that everyone creates a moral environment that either lifts or drags down those around them. Brooks' insights are thought-provoking. He challenged ordinary Americans to tackle the decline in the country's culture and politics. However, some of his points raise questions. Brooks blamed the decline on a loss of faith in America's goodness. But is this really the case? Many Americans show decency and responsibility in their daily lives. These qualities come from personal values, not necessarily faith in the country. Brooks also lamented the loss of a shared moral order. But was there ever a true shared moral order? Growing up in the 1950s and 60s, issues like domestic violence were often ignored or joked about. Shared values at the time included racist assumptions. America's history is filled with wars and covert operations that caused millions of casualties. So, the idea of a shared moral order is questionable.Brooks pointed to individualism as the cause of social distrust. He argued that encouraging people to find their own values led to this distrust. But is individualism really to blame? Many people revolted against shared American values because they were flawed. This rebellion led to some negative outcomes, but also positive changes like the environmental movement. The current distrust might stem from differing perspectives and online provocations, especially from certain political figures. Instead of blaming individualism, perhaps America's issues come from destructive values resurfacing. The "Make America Great Again" movement often promotes brutality and demonizes non-white immigrants. The actions of ICE echo the violence of groups like the Ku Klux Klan. These groups wore masks, rounded up, and killed people, claiming to protect a white population. Rather than calling for more faith, America needs to critique and replace destructive values. These values have repeatedly led to a lack of care for each other and nature. Ignoring this pattern is like a family ignoring a history of abuse. Brooks' call for education in moral virtues, human dignity, and flourishing is spot on. Learning from various traditions and cultures can provide wisdom. Habits of attention, silence, and reverence from non-American cultures can offer valuable insights. Every individual has the potential for beauty, dignity, and noble actions.