The modern university has increasingly placed the “self” at the center of its teaching.  Students are encouraged to regard their feelings, identities, and understanding to affect their reactions in the world around them.  “How does this affect you?  How does this make you feel?”   Not what is true.

I am fearful that our institutes of higher education have become a breeding ground for self-focus.  Are they teaching students to confirm and validate their identities and beliefs about the world without the knowledge of what has gone before?  What are the purposes, morals and philosophies that have shaped mankind?  How have these distance voices shaped our society?  Some for the worse but others for the benefit of mankind. 

Many of these voices that I hear on TV are simply repeating the voices of others or their professors.  Students are endlessly advised to “find their voice” Yet a voice worth hearing is not found by looking inward; it is formed through disciplined attention to voices that are wiser, stronger and steeped in the truth and tradition. 

Self-gratification often becomes the goal in life.  It’s what I think, what I believe and what I know!  This is what I want and I want it now!

This all starts in the home.   My oldest daughter often complained when she asked me for something and I replied.  “We’ll see.” Then she with a frown replied ……” We’ll see means No!” 

The world will continue telling young people to find themselves.  Jesus told his disciples, “Do unto others, as you would have them do to you.” In other words, think of others regarding yourself. 

We need to forget ourselves for a while.  Do something worthy of our attention, even if it isn’t what we would rather not be doing. 

We may discover, in doing so, not only a durable joy but a good feeling that God knows.    

                                    Then it’s  not really about me, but others.