Character

Character was formerly taught as part of religious training, when most families were religious. The embracing of secularism has meant a release from some ancient myths and superstitions, but it has also meant the neglect of training in character strengths that allow for maturity and competence. Without moral virtues, society is doomed--no matter how intelligent, well educated, or technologically advanced it may be.

For individuals or societies to be successful, they need to function competently in their environment. The "Wealth of Nations" depends on national IQ, human capital, cultural strengths, and the scope of government. If the government skims all their profit through exorbitant taxation, or over-regulates production, the talented producers will refuse to work--will even emigrate away.

Character is a basic part of human competence. But it isn't taught in government school. Government educated students whose parents don't take the time to instill strength of character in their children, will become part of the growing horde of neotenous incompetents in the west.

More than ten per cent of western adults are addicted to a lifestyle drug such as alcohol, nicotine, amphetamine, cocaine, or prescribed drugs. That figure is destined to skyrocket, as the current crop of government educated graduates and dropouts reaches the age of putative maturity. Mature people, competent people, wise people of character, do not need to stay stoned or high to face the world. A society full of immature adults hiding from reality is destined to fall.

Given that the replacement civilisation waiting in the wings is political islamism, it appears that the age-old scenario of decadence being overcome by barbarism is just a matter of time, once again. Of course, I have other ideas. Stay tuned.