Beowulf:Beowulf: Of Men Of Men and Monstersand MonstersFeracoFeraco

Search for Human PotentialSearch for Human Potential

9 January 20129 January 2012

Over the past few months, we’ve Over the past few months, we’ve debated the importance of choice and free debated the importance of choice and free will. will.

When we finished When we finished Siddhartha’sSiddhartha’s first first chapter, we asked ourselves whether we’d chapter, we asked ourselves whether we’d be OK without the freedom to make be OK without the freedom to make choices – and whether our answer to that choices – and whether our answer to that question depends on whether our question depends on whether our “outcomes” are positive. “outcomes” are positive.

When we discussed Macbeth and the When we discussed Macbeth and the Weïrd Sisters, we debated whether our Weïrd Sisters, we debated whether our control is limited (whether by deities or control is limited (whether by deities or destiny), or whether choice and destiny destiny), or whether choice and destiny can somehow coexist. can somehow coexist.

Macbeth Macbeth also raised thorny questions also raised thorny questions about morality’s relationship to free will: about morality’s relationship to free will: should an individual be held accountable should an individual be held accountable or responsible for the consequences of an or responsible for the consequences of an action he or she didn’t mean to take? action he or she didn’t mean to take?

Can life be meaningful if our choices Can life be meaningful if our choices aren’t ours to make? aren’t ours to make?

Should we try to resist our human Should we try to resist our human nature (if it’s even possible)? nature (if it’s even possible)?

Is a talented artist still worthy of Is a talented artist still worthy of respect if a divine being guided her hand – respect if a divine being guided her hand – or even simply provided conditions that or even simply provided conditions that allowed her to take advantage of her allowed her to take advantage of her talents? talents?

Should she be rewarded if her actions Should she be rewarded if her actions aren’t completely free? aren’t completely free?

These relationships between action and reward, These relationships between action and reward, between choice and consequence, provide a bunch of the between choice and consequence, provide a bunch of the course’s framework because the Search for Human course’s framework because the Search for Human Potential requires a Searcher to consider the point of said Potential requires a Searcher to consider the point of said Search before embarking on it. Search before embarking on it.

To look for human potential is to examine the To look for human potential is to examine the possible, maybe even the probable, but not necessarily the possible, maybe even the probable, but not necessarily the actual: it’s about figuring out what to want, then how to actual: it’s about figuring out what to want, then how to get it. get it.

Siddhartha, Tom, Macbeth, and Carl each had some Siddhartha, Tom, Macbeth, and Carl each had some idea of what they’re looking for, but each eventually idea of what they’re looking for, but each eventually discovers – for good or for ill – that they want something discovers – for good or for ill – that they want something else. else.

And if you look closely enough, you’ll notice each And if you look closely enough, you’ll notice each character ends up hungering for two things: the freedom character ends up hungering for two things: the freedom to do what they want (personal satisfaction of desire) and to do what they want (personal satisfaction of desire) and the chance to connect with other humans (interpersonal the chance to connect with other humans (interpersonal satisfaction of desire). satisfaction of desire).

That combination of choice and connection gives That combination of choice and connection gives them purpose, and removes it when one or both of those them purpose, and removes it when one or both of those things go missing (Siddhartha turns to gambling, Tom things go missing (Siddhartha turns to gambling, Tom ambles down to buy groceries in his robe, Macbeth goes on ambles down to buy groceries in his robe, Macbeth goes on a killing spree, and Carl sits miserably beside an empty a killing spree, and Carl sits miserably beside an empty chair in an empty house beside a waterfall). chair in an empty house beside a waterfall).

In many ways, BeowulfIn many ways, Beowulf is no different: he, is no different: he, too, seems to need freedom and people in equal too, seems to need freedom and people in equal measure. measure.

But the poem has a very interesting spin on a But the poem has a very interesting spin on a lot of things we’ve previously touched on this year. lot of things we’ve previously touched on this year.

Take, for example, social hierarchies and Take, for example, social hierarchies and societies. societies.

We’ve already studied several, from We’ve already studied several, from Siddhartha’s village to Macbeth’s Scotland. Siddhartha’s village to Macbeth’s Scotland.

But we’ve really only looked at characters But we’ve really only looked at characters who, for one reason or another, end up as bad fits who, for one reason or another, end up as bad fits within those systems: the elderly Carl being forced within those systems: the elderly Carl being forced into a nursing home, or a younger Tom into a nursing home, or a younger Tom compromising his ambitions and getting stuck in a compromising his ambitions and getting stuck in a dead-end greeting card job, where he dead-end greeting card job, where he manufactures emotions he can’t really feel manufactures emotions he can’t really feel anymore. anymore.

With Beowulf, we’ll study someone who With Beowulf, we’ll study someone who embodies his culture’s values instead of clashing embodies his culture’s values instead of clashing with them, and who reaps a great deal of glory and with them, and who reaps a great deal of glory and renown as a result.renown as a result.

As an ancient warrior, Beowulf belongs to a As an ancient warrior, Beowulf belongs to a patriarchal meritocracy. The men rule the state, patriarchal meritocracy. The men rule the state, fight to defend it, etc., and rise on the basis of fight to defend it, etc., and rise on the basis of their accomplishments (as well as those of their their accomplishments (as well as those of their fathers). The principles behind a meritocracy are fathers). The principles behind a meritocracy are fairly simple:fairly simple:

All humans make choices.All humans make choices.In most situations, human beings will make In most situations, human beings will make

the right choices.the right choices.In some situations, one or more right In some situations, one or more right

choices and one or more wrong choices will be choices and one or more wrong choices will be available.available.

Individuals will have reasons for making for Individuals will have reasons for making for correct and incorrect choices. correct and incorrect choices.

Individuals who resist the temptations of Individuals who resist the temptations of bad choices and consistently make wise ones will bad choices and consistently make wise ones will be rewarded for their be rewarded for their virtuesvirtues – which are, of – which are, of course, demonstrated by their choices. course, demonstrated by their choices.

Now look closer. Now look closer. A meritocracy purports to reward one thing: A meritocracy purports to reward one thing:

virtue. virtue. We may claim to care about the end result of We may claim to care about the end result of

something more than the motivation behind it, but something more than the motivation behind it, but we we dodo value that motivation greatly. value that motivation greatly.

If someone gives you a genuine compliment, If someone gives you a genuine compliment, and another person gives you that same and another person gives you that same compliment later in order to manipulate you into compliment later in order to manipulate you into liking them more, we could claim that they’ve done liking them more, we could claim that they’ve done the same thing. the same thing.

But in your eyes, those actions certainly But in your eyes, those actions certainly aren’t equivalent. aren’t equivalent.

The thing that distinguishes them – The thing that distinguishes them – motivation – gives them meaning, because we motivation – gives them meaning, because we believe that those motivations reflect the “core” of believe that those motivations reflect the “core” of a person. a person.

In theory, meritocracies function the same In theory, meritocracies function the same way, and for the same reason: to reward a man for way, and for the same reason: to reward a man for his goodness.his goodness.

But they can’t function that way. But they can’t function that way. Who walks around in today’s society measuring Who walks around in today’s society measuring

virtue – capabilities, capacity for goodness, or virtue – capabilities, capacity for goodness, or potential, really, since that’s all undemonstrated potential, really, since that’s all undemonstrated virtue really is? virtue really is?

We measure action, not virtue. We measure action, not virtue. As a culture (or a mishmash of different ones), As a culture (or a mishmash of different ones),

we’ve learned to obsess over actions, deeds, we’ve learned to obsess over actions, deeds, resultsresults, , even at the expense of caring about what someone even at the expense of caring about what someone could do. could do.

It’s why so many of my students, whether my It’s why so many of my students, whether my freshmen in years past or my seniors from this year, freshmen in years past or my seniors from this year, list a desired grade as one of the primary things they list a desired grade as one of the primary things they want out of my class on their want out of my class on their Great ExpectationsGreat Expectations assignment: the grade represents a tangible assignment: the grade represents a tangible demonstration of their capabilities. demonstration of their capabilities.

An A isn’t meant to just be some letter: it’s a An A isn’t meant to just be some letter: it’s a reaffirmation to the larger world that Student X is an reaffirmation to the larger world that Student X is an exceptional Y. exceptional Y.

It’s also why Kamala is less concerned with It’s also why Kamala is less concerned with Siddhartha’s potential for greatness and more Siddhartha’s potential for greatness and more concerned with whether he can pull himself together concerned with whether he can pull himself together and wear nice clothes like a proper gentleman. and wear nice clothes like a proper gentleman.

That’s all well and good, really: That’s all well and good, really: manipulation example aside, I care less manipulation example aside, I care less about whether you’re smart than about about whether you’re smart than about whether you actually learned something. whether you actually learned something.

On the other hand, if I made it On the other hand, if I made it impossible for you to learn, it’s not impossible for you to learn, it’s not exactly fair for me to condemn you for exactly fair for me to condemn you for your failure. your failure.

This is why Gladwell spends the bulk This is why Gladwell spends the bulk of of Outliers Outliers savaging what he sees as savaging what he sees as deeply flawed excuses for modern deeply flawed excuses for modern meritocracies: by his arguments, we meritocracies: by his arguments, we shouldn’t spend our time praising the shouldn’t spend our time praising the advantaged or condemning the advantaged or condemning the handicapped. handicapped.

Beowulf’sBeowulf’s meritocracy, on the other hand, is meritocracy, on the other hand, is somewhat purer. somewhat purer.

True, it’s not always fun to be held responsible True, it’s not always fun to be held responsible for choices you never made (cursed fathers!). for choices you never made (cursed fathers!).

But the system we see in But the system we see in BeowulfBeowulf not only not only follows the aforementioned “meritocracy principles,” follows the aforementioned “meritocracy principles,” but makes the distinction between “good” and “bad” but makes the distinction between “good” and “bad” choices exceptionally clear. choices exceptionally clear.

You almost always know exactly what to do in You almost always know exactly what to do in order to earn a reward, and almost always know how order to earn a reward, and almost always know how you be punished if you choose unwisely. you be punished if you choose unwisely.

Gladwell doesn’t like that we deny people Gladwell doesn’t like that we deny people opportunities for arbitrary reasons (and neither do I), opportunities for arbitrary reasons (and neither do I), but Beowulf’s society doesn’t really have that but Beowulf’s society doesn’t really have that problem: if you think you can fight, you’ll be given the problem: if you think you can fight, you’ll be given the chance to prove it. chance to prove it.

And Beowulf’s entire involvement in the And Beowulf’s entire involvement in the business that goes down at Heorot Hall is a business that goes down at Heorot Hall is a combination of repaying societal/familial obligations combination of repaying societal/familial obligations and the satisfaction of personal desires – the and the satisfaction of personal desires – the combination of interpersonal connections and combination of interpersonal connections and personal choice, in other words. personal choice, in other words.

When it comes to those personal choices, When it comes to those personal choices, we’re taught – and we teach – some very basic we’re taught – and we teach – some very basic lessons. lessons.

We teach our children that our choices We teach our children that our choices determine our actions – that most things don’t determine our actions – that most things don’t “just happen,” or happen by mistake. “just happen,” or happen by mistake.

After we make it clear to our kids that they After we make it clear to our kids that they can decide, and that their decisions determine can decide, and that their decisions determine what they do, we also make it clear that the what they do, we also make it clear that the things they do have consequences. things they do have consequences.

(The easy follow-up lesson, of course, is for (The easy follow-up lesson, of course, is for them to consider the consequences of their them to consider the consequences of their actions before deciding to act.) actions before deciding to act.)

Ultimately, we urge our children to make Ultimately, we urge our children to make choices that improve their lives, that improve the choices that improve their lives, that improve the lives of friends and family members, and that lives of friends and family members, and that benefit our society and environment. benefit our society and environment.

We teach these things because we’ve been We teach these things because we’ve been taught they’re valuable. taught they’re valuable.

But you can see that these teachings rest on the But you can see that these teachings rest on the assumption that we live in a universe in which choices assumption that we live in a universe in which choices matter, in which free will reigns supreme. matter, in which free will reigns supreme.

That doesn’t go for all things, as we act That doesn’t go for all things, as we act instinctually or automatically in many ways. instinctually or automatically in many ways.

Obviously, you don’t have to choose to breathe, Obviously, you don’t have to choose to breathe, or to make your heart beat at a certain rate; those or to make your heart beat at a certain rate; those things are just unconscious responses to stimuli. things are just unconscious responses to stimuli.

Yet those silly examples perfectly illustrate why Yet those silly examples perfectly illustrate why we think choices we think choices shouldshould have value: we don’t much have value: we don’t much like the idea that we’re pawns, that we’re carrying like the idea that we’re pawns, that we’re carrying out actions like automatons. out actions like automatons.

Choice is what allows the “actor” (i.e., the Choice is what allows the “actor” (i.e., the person making the decision) to do something that person making the decision) to do something that exceeds/differs from an automatic response: we exceeds/differs from an automatic response: we believe we’re superior to other animals because believe we’re superior to other animals because wewe can govern our instincts.can govern our instincts.

But what if we’re working with incorrect But what if we’re working with incorrect assumptions?assumptions?

Universal causality (which I’ll abbreviate as Universal causality (which I’ll abbreviate as “UC,” and also call “determinism”) questions those “UC,” and also call “determinism”) questions those assumptions, as well as the idea of free will in assumptions, as well as the idea of free will in general. general.

UC proponents (such as Albert Einstein) assert UC proponents (such as Albert Einstein) assert that every effect has a cause, which is in turn the that every effect has a cause, which is in turn the effect of another cause. effect of another cause.

(One wonders what the original “cause” was!) (One wonders what the original “cause” was!) Because cause/effect sequences aren’t isolated, Because cause/effect sequences aren’t isolated,

they bleed into one another continuously – hence the they bleed into one another continuously – hence the “universal” in “UC.” “universal” in “UC.”

Therefore, Therefore, everythingeverything that occurs (including that occurs (including every “choice”) simply represents the inevitable every “choice”) simply represents the inevitable after-effect of some seen/unseen cause. after-effect of some seen/unseen cause.

If that’s the case, UC proponents continue, we If that’s the case, UC proponents continue, we actors aren’t making choices; we’re simply vessels for actors aren’t making choices; we’re simply vessels for cause/effect delivery, the means by which the cause/effect delivery, the means by which the universe maintains itself. universe maintains itself.

We’re deceiving ourselves if we believe our We’re deceiving ourselves if we believe our “choices” allow us to do something other than we “choices” allow us to do something other than we were “meant” to do through cause and effect. were “meant” to do through cause and effect.

Most UC proponents base their Most UC proponents base their arguments on the assumption that we live arguments on the assumption that we live in a secular universe. in a secular universe.

Another school of thought, however, Another school of thought, however, questions the idea of free will using the questions the idea of free will using the “deity” argument. “deity” argument.

The deity in question is omnipotent The deity in question is omnipotent and omniscient (all-powerful and all-and omniscient (all-powerful and all-seeing), which makes said deity infallible. seeing), which makes said deity infallible.

As an all-seeing being, it sees the As an all-seeing being, it sees the future – and as an infallible being, it sees future – and as an infallible being, it sees it unerringly. it unerringly.

But since the deity can’t possibly be But since the deity can’t possibly be wrong about the future, we are only wrong about the future, we are only capable of what it already sees, and can’t capable of what it already sees, and can’t possibly do otherwise. possibly do otherwise.

One of the many aspects of One of the many aspects of BeowulfBeowulf that interest me that interest me is the way the Old English Poet (henceforth abbreviated as is the way the Old English Poet (henceforth abbreviated as the OEP) relates to the divine. the OEP) relates to the divine.

The absolute age of the poem is indeterminate, but The absolute age of the poem is indeterminate, but we’re fairly sure it’s from the late seventh century, just we’re fairly sure it’s from the late seventh century, just around the time Christianity was really starting to make around the time Christianity was really starting to make headway amongst the pagan cultures of mainland Europe. headway amongst the pagan cultures of mainland Europe.

The OEP was a The OEP was a scop,scop, an oral poet who would deliver an oral poet who would deliver his poetry without notes (which is why only one his poetry without notes (which is why only one BeowulfBeowulf manuscript survived to modern times), and we can hear his manuscript survived to modern times), and we can hear his voice even when Beowulf speaks. voice even when Beowulf speaks.

You’ll note that Beowulf is a fairly confident fellow You’ll note that Beowulf is a fairly confident fellow (to put it mildly), and that he’s continually boasting. (to put it mildly), and that he’s continually boasting.

His boasts feature a few elements that will quickly His boasts feature a few elements that will quickly become familiar to you (the invocation of family ties, the become familiar to you (the invocation of family ties, the highlighting of his past accomplishments, blunt statements highlighting of his past accomplishments, blunt statements of his worthiness to face X, Y, or Z), and they’re often in of his worthiness to face X, Y, or Z), and they’re often in narrativenarrative form. form.

This makes sense when you consider Beowulf’s era: This makes sense when you consider Beowulf’s era: if you live in a meritocratic culture with an oral tradition, if you live in a meritocratic culture with an oral tradition, you had better get you had better get veryvery good, good, veryvery quickly, at talking quickly, at talking about the things you’ve done. Your words, and the words about the things you’ve done. Your words, and the words of others testifying to your claims, are your proof.of others testifying to your claims, are your proof.

But even in the same breath that he’s But even in the same breath that he’s spending talking about how awesome he is, spending talking about how awesome he is, Beowulf consistently extolls God’s greatness. Beowulf consistently extolls God’s greatness.

In all things, Beowulf seizes the credit, then In all things, Beowulf seizes the credit, then passes it to God – but still gets praised for his passes it to God – but still gets praised for his own actions. own actions.

He has his cake and eats it too: his victories He has his cake and eats it too: his victories are evidence of God’s greatness, which in turn is are evidence of God’s greatness, which in turn is evidence of his own. evidence of his own.

(In this sense, Beowulf’s just a much, much (In this sense, Beowulf’s just a much, much cockier version of Tim Tebow.) cockier version of Tim Tebow.)

Those who advance the “deity” argument, Those who advance the “deity” argument, on the other hand, say that Beowulf’s an on the other hand, say that Beowulf’s an instrument of the divine: it’s awesome that he instrument of the divine: it’s awesome that he won, but once God saw that he’d win, he couldn’t won, but once God saw that he’d win, he couldn’t lose. lose.

(This is the same argument that those who (This is the same argument that those who believe the Weïrd Sisters were truly prophetic believe the Weïrd Sisters were truly prophetic would make: once they saw Macbeth would be would make: once they saw Macbeth would be king, there was no way he couldn’t become it.) king, there was no way he couldn’t become it.)

The final broadside against free will comes in the form of The final broadside against free will comes in the form of the “logic” argument. the “logic” argument. 

It rests on the Excluded Middle and Noncontradiction Laws. It rests on the Excluded Middle and Noncontradiction Laws. The former states that absolutes exist for every The former states that absolutes exist for every

proposition; either P or Not P is true, with no middle ground proposition; either P or Not P is true, with no middle ground (hello, Baselines!). (hello, Baselines!).

The latter merely states that P and Not P can’t logically be The latter merely states that P and Not P can’t logically be true at the same time.true at the same time.

Let our proposition Let our proposition (P)(P) be “Tiffany, you’re going to fail be “Tiffany, you’re going to fail your final tomorrow.” your final tomorrow.”

She either will or won’t; obviously, she can’t fail and pass She either will or won’t; obviously, she can’t fail and pass simultaneously. simultaneously.

If P is a true statement, nothing that happens between If P is a true statement, nothing that happens between now and tomorrow will stop her from failing; if P is untrue…well, now and tomorrow will stop her from failing; if P is untrue…well, nothing that between now and tomorrow will stop her from nothing that between now and tomorrow will stop her from succeeding.succeeding.

Now, it looks like Tiffany has two “options.” Now, it looks like Tiffany has two “options.” Either she’ll pass, or she’ll fail. Either she’ll pass, or she’ll fail. However, we’ve already established that However, we’ve already established that only one can be only one can be

truetrue. . Therefore, one of the “options” is necessarily false – a fake Therefore, one of the “options” is necessarily false – a fake

choice. choice. And since only one of the options is really present, Tiffany And since only one of the options is really present, Tiffany

is powerless to choose the other. is powerless to choose the other. In order to be free, you have to have choices – In order to be free, you have to have choices – and Tiffany and Tiffany

doesn’t really have themdoesn’t really have them. Scary! . Scary!

People have plenty of arguments for free will People have plenty of arguments for free will as well. as well.

For the “deity” argument, we assume the For the “deity” argument, we assume the being can perfectly see the things it controls. being can perfectly see the things it controls.

Because it knows its creations, it can Because it knows its creations, it can accurately predict any possible choice one could accurately predict any possible choice one could make in response to a given situation. make in response to a given situation.

But that, the rejoinder goes, is exactly But that, the rejoinder goes, is exactly whywhy it it can still grant us free will. can still grant us free will.

Think of someone who’s really good at chess: Think of someone who’s really good at chess: he still sees the endgame, predicts the actions of he still sees the endgame, predicts the actions of the other player, and brings about the steps to the other player, and brings about the steps to make that endgame real…but doesn’t need to make that endgame real…but doesn’t need to absolutely control the actions of the other player absolutely control the actions of the other player (move his pieces) in order to make it happen. (move his pieces) in order to make it happen.

As Martin Luther King, Jr. puts it, “we are As Martin Luther King, Jr. puts it, “we are responsible human beings, not blind automatons; responsible human beings, not blind automatons; persons, not puppets. By endowing us with persons, not puppets. By endowing us with freedom, God relinquished a measure of his own freedom, God relinquished a measure of his own sovereignty and imposed certain limitations upon sovereignty and imposed certain limitations upon himself.” himself.”

As for the “logic” scenario, let’s say that As for the “logic” scenario, let’s say that Tiffany really, really, Tiffany really, really, reallyreally doesn’t want to fail doesn’t want to fail her final. her final.

Let’s also say she’s “destined” to pass. Let’s also say she’s “destined” to pass. (Whew.) (Whew.)

Does this really mean she has no choice? Does this really mean she has no choice? After all, there are different ways to pass: After all, there are different ways to pass:

Tiffany can study alone, study with friends, speak Tiffany can study alone, study with friends, speak with her instructor (always a good idea), or even with her instructor (always a good idea), or even cheat (tsk tsk). cheat (tsk tsk).

In any case, Tiffany still has choices within In any case, Tiffany still has choices within her outcome! her outcome!

You know you’re going to eat – you can’t You know you’re going to eat – you can’t choose not to, at least not forever – but you don’t choose not to, at least not forever – but you don’t necessarily know what you’ll eat…and that necessarily know what you’ll eat…and that decision could very well be yours after all! decision could very well be yours after all!

(Is that the definition of free will?) (Is that the definition of free will?)

Finally, the Determinists argued that your only Finally, the Determinists argued that your only free actions are ones you do without cause. free actions are ones you do without cause.

Since the Determinists believe in UC, everything Since the Determinists believe in UC, everything has a cause – so, in short, you can’t do anything freely. has a cause – so, in short, you can’t do anything freely.

IndeterministsIndeterminists also argue that your only free also argue that your only free actions are ones you do without cause – “uncaused” free actions are ones you do without cause – “uncaused” free actions. actions.

However, they say, we’re obviously free, so why However, they say, we’re obviously free, so why buy into any argument that tries to convince that what buy into any argument that tries to convince that what you know to be true isn’t – especially since UC isn’t you know to be true isn’t – especially since UC isn’t really a scientific principle? really a scientific principle?

(I’m going to be honest: I don’t like the incurious (I’m going to be honest: I don’t like the incurious attitude of “Well, this is obvious, so I’m going to ignore attitude of “Well, this is obvious, so I’m going to ignore everything to the contrary”…but your mileage may everything to the contrary”…but your mileage may vary.) vary.)

Compatibilists,Compatibilists, who argue that free acts can be who argue that free acts can be taken as long as their cause lies in the inner state of the taken as long as their cause lies in the inner state of the person – a desire, an intention, etc. – are perhaps a person – a desire, an intention, etc. – are perhaps a better alternative to the unyielding arguments of the better alternative to the unyielding arguments of the Determinists. Determinists.

Since they assert that our inner choices/causes Since they assert that our inner choices/causes determine our will, the Compatibilists can get free will determine our will, the Compatibilists can get free will to line up with universal causality quite nicely. to line up with universal causality quite nicely.

This may look like one of those philosophical talks that This may look like one of those philosophical talks that turn boring because there’s no conclusion in sight. turn boring because there’s no conclusion in sight.

But the discussion of whether we have control over our But the discussion of whether we have control over our actions – over the course of our own lives – remains a actions – over the course of our own lives – remains a pertinent one, both for pertinent one, both for BeowulfBeowulf and for ourselves. and for ourselves.

The questions it raises force us to evaluate just how we The questions it raises force us to evaluate just how we wish to go through life – not simply whether we can decide wish to go through life – not simply whether we can decide what we do, but whether we live while doing so. what we do, but whether we live while doing so.

The right to choose may be valuable, but it also gives The right to choose may be valuable, but it also gives us a tremendous amount of responsibility. us a tremendous amount of responsibility.

If the choices Tom, Siddhartha, Macbeth, Carl, and even If the choices Tom, Siddhartha, Macbeth, Carl, and even Beowulf prove anything, it’s that true happiness can’t be Beowulf prove anything, it’s that true happiness can’t be obtained passively. obtained passively.

We owe it to ourselves, in other words, to place We owe it to ourselves, in other words, to place ourselves in positions where we can earn our happiness. ourselves in positions where we can earn our happiness.

We must build societies that don’t deny people the We must build societies that don’t deny people the ability to make the choices that would bring them happiness ability to make the choices that would bring them happiness for arbitrary reasons that we don’t even fully consider. for arbitrary reasons that we don’t even fully consider.

And if we can choose between right and wrong, that And if we can choose between right and wrong, that means we can make moral judgments – and disagree over means we can make moral judgments – and disagree over moral matters. moral matters.

You’ve matured to the point where the mere You’ve matured to the point where the mere recognition of relative morality is no longer sufficient: you recognition of relative morality is no longer sufficient: you must learn to navigate it. must learn to navigate it.

When most people crack When most people crack BeowulfBeowulf open for the open for the first time, they’re arrested by the plot. first time, they’re arrested by the plot.

It’s not a complicated one, but it’s pretty It’s not a complicated one, but it’s pretty thrilling in its own right, with several battles against thrilling in its own right, with several battles against demons and dragons that translate demons and dragons that translate extremelyextremely well to well to standard English. standard English.

On some level, it’s easy to recognize the whole On some level, it’s easy to recognize the whole chronicle as one long struggle of good against evil. chronicle as one long struggle of good against evil.

But this is a tale that greatly rewards moral But this is a tale that greatly rewards moral examinations, particularly if you’re aware of the examinations, particularly if you’re aware of the values and traditions of the time.values and traditions of the time.

The first two lines set the tone for the entire The first two lines set the tone for the entire poem: planting us in the distant past, remembering poem: planting us in the distant past, remembering courage and greatness (note this carefully). courage and greatness (note this carefully).

We also know that we have “heard” of their We also know that we have “heard” of their “heroic campaigns,” a quick nod to the oral traditions “heroic campaigns,” a quick nod to the oral traditions of the dominant culture and a reminder that one’s of the dominant culture and a reminder that one’s reputation was of paramount importance. reputation was of paramount importance.

After all, what are legends but stories of men After all, what are legends but stories of men with larger-than-life reputations?with larger-than-life reputations?

Our first figure, Shield Sheafson, is a “god cyning” – a “good Our first figure, Shield Sheafson, is a “god cyning” – a “good king.” king.”

One of the things that marks him as such is his practice of One of the things that marks him as such is his practice of making people “pay tribute,” and if you’re wondering why this is a making people “pay tribute,” and if you’re wondering why this is a good thing, know that this was an expected part of the social good thing, know that this was an expected part of the social contract. contract.

The king provided leadership, protection, and stability for his The king provided leadership, protection, and stability for his people: the population could trust that he knew what he was doing people: the population could trust that he knew what he was doing (he sat on a throne because God chose him), and that he wouldn’t (he sat on a throne because God chose him), and that he wouldn’t involve them in dangerous conflicts rashly or unnecessarily. involve them in dangerous conflicts rashly or unnecessarily.

The people provided the king with the forces necessary to The people provided the king with the forces necessary to defend the kingdom if necessary, and gave him the wealth necessary defend the kingdom if necessary, and gave him the wealth necessary to keep its economy humming (which, in turn, removed some of the to keep its economy humming (which, in turn, removed some of the incentive to wage war for resources: it was easier to trade regularly incentive to wage war for resources: it was easier to trade regularly for what you needed than to storm the borders of a strong rival). for what you needed than to storm the borders of a strong rival).

This wasn’t just true of the tributes the king collected, either. This wasn’t just true of the tributes the king collected, either. During wars, the losing army would (at a minimum) need to During wars, the losing army would (at a minimum) need to

pay substantially in defeat. pay substantially in defeat. Rather than hoard the treasure for his own use, the king Rather than hoard the treasure for his own use, the king

shared the spoils of victory – and tribute – with his subjects. shared the spoils of victory – and tribute – with his subjects. In fact, kings were called “ring-givers” because of the rewards In fact, kings were called “ring-givers” because of the rewards

and titles they shared and bestowed on loyal subjects. and titles they shared and bestowed on loyal subjects. If you fought bravely, the kingdom would prosper and you’d If you fought bravely, the kingdom would prosper and you’d

receive what was your due – and because you’d receive what was receive what was your due – and because you’d receive what was your due, you’d fight to the death to defend the one who ruled you so your due, you’d fight to the death to defend the one who ruled you so justly and fairly. justly and fairly.

As you can see, both subjects and rulers entered As you can see, both subjects and rulers entered into complicated relationships, both giving and receiving into complicated relationships, both giving and receiving simultaneously. simultaneously.

A bad king hoards treasure, or spends it wildly A bad king hoards treasure, or spends it wildly and poorly, or endangers his people needlessly or and poorly, or endangers his people needlessly or dishonestly. dishonestly.

In rare cases, a king could fail the way Macbeth In rare cases, a king could fail the way Macbeth would have failed – not through moral compromise, but would have failed – not through moral compromise, but through his inability to sire a son. through his inability to sire a son.

When this happened, the king would need to When this happened, the king would need to establish a clear line of succession outside of his family; establish a clear line of succession outside of his family; neighboring nations would surely test the new ruler, neighboring nations would surely test the new ruler, who wouldn’t have had time to establish a familial who wouldn’t have had time to establish a familial dynasty of his own, so the king needed to choose dynasty of his own, so the king needed to choose veryvery wisely. wisely.

In In Beowulf,Beowulf, we’ll see all kinds of kings – the good, we’ll see all kinds of kings – the good, the bad, the doomed, the dead – and with every one, we the bad, the doomed, the dead – and with every one, we find ourselves looking at our own leadership. find ourselves looking at our own leadership.

Regardless of your political persuasion, no one Regardless of your political persuasion, no one can argue that we haven’t abandoned this compact. can argue that we haven’t abandoned this compact.

These societies functioned on the basis of trust, These societies functioned on the basis of trust, courage, and selflessness. courage, and selflessness.

(Does ours?) (Does ours?)

Before Shield passes on, he sires a single son – Before Shield passes on, he sires a single son – Beow, who has no relation to Beowulf. Beow, who has no relation to Beowulf.

We see Beow’s birth as the reward for a suffering We see Beow’s birth as the reward for a suffering people, as the Danes’ hardships had stemmed from a lack people, as the Danes’ hardships had stemmed from a lack of leadership before Shield began filling the void. of leadership before Shield began filling the void. (Remember this!) (Remember this!)

Shield and Beow also provide us with the Shield and Beow also provide us with the “beginning” of our family tree – a source for the lineage “beginning” of our family tree – a source for the lineage and reputation that consumes and reputation that consumes Beowulf.Beowulf.

Finally, we see why good behavior is important, and Finally, we see why good behavior is important, and not just because kings could earn tribute that way: not just because kings could earn tribute that way: “Behaviour that’s admired/is the path to power among “Behaviour that’s admired/is the path to power among people everywhere.”people everywhere.”

We begin the poem in earnest, however, with We begin the poem in earnest, however, with Shield’s funeral – the death of the “good king” Shield’s funeral – the death of the “good king” (Foreshadowing!). (Foreshadowing!).

Afterwards, we see his people thrive under the rule Afterwards, we see his people thrive under the rule of his descendants: Beow, like his father, sires a single son, of his descendants: Beow, like his father, sires a single son, Halfdane, who then fathers four children of his own Halfdane, who then fathers four children of his own (Heorogar, Hrothgar, Halga, and an unnamed daughter). (Heorogar, Hrothgar, Halga, and an unnamed daughter).

Thus we see that by having a single son, Shield’s Thus we see that by having a single son, Shield’s ultimately stabilized his nation and done the last thing a ultimately stabilized his nation and done the last thing a good king has to do.good king has to do.

This takes us to the “present” day, when This takes us to the “present” day, when Hrothgar (whose name means a combination of Hrothgar (whose name means a combination of “spear” and “glory”), Halfdane’s second son, has “spear” and “glory”), Halfdane’s second son, has taken the throne. taken the throne.

He is a good king, and “the fortunes of war He is a good king, and “the fortunes of war favor him”; with the spoils of successful warfare, favor him”; with the spoils of successful warfare, Hrothgar builds Heorot Hall – the greatest hall Hrothgar builds Heorot Hall – the greatest hall around! around!

He marries Wealhtheow, an intelligent and He marries Wealhtheow, an intelligent and virtuous woman who serves as an excellent queen, virtuous woman who serves as an excellent queen, and the three of them have three children. and the three of them have three children.

By building a hall, continuing his family line, By building a hall, continuing his family line, and ruling judiciously, Hrothgar has done everything and ruling judiciously, Hrothgar has done everything he can to provide his nation with a future. he can to provide his nation with a future.

But nothing can come so easily to the But nothing can come so easily to the Shieldings. Shieldings.

Heorot is soon besieged by a terrifying creature Heorot is soon besieged by a terrifying creature named Grendel, which attacks by night and murders named Grendel, which attacks by night and murders Hrothgrar’s men. Hrothgrar’s men.

The king proves unable to stop the attacks, and The king proves unable to stop the attacks, and as the killings continue for the next twelve years, his as the killings continue for the next twelve years, his citizens grow demoralized and fearful. citizens grow demoralized and fearful.

Grendel is quite the interesting villain, and Grendel is quite the interesting villain, and not only because books showing these events not only because books showing these events from his perspective have popped up over the from his perspective have popped up over the years. years.

Careful readers notice that the residents of Careful readers notice that the residents of Heorot Hall don’t do anything to intentionally Heorot Hall don’t do anything to intentionally antagonize him; the sound of music and antagonize him; the sound of music and celebration that emanate from the hall infuriate celebration that emanate from the hall infuriate him until he snaps and attacks. him until he snaps and attacks.

That seems like pretty flimsy justification That seems like pretty flimsy justification for slaughtering warriors and striking fear in the for slaughtering warriors and striking fear in the hearts of all who survive, and the OEP uses hearts of all who survive, and the OEP uses Grendel to symbolize sin and wickedness; Grendel to symbolize sin and wickedness; Beowulf’s victory over him is supposed to Beowulf’s victory over him is supposed to represent the triumph of God’s will over evil. represent the triumph of God’s will over evil.

But the question of whether Grendel is evil or But the question of whether Grendel is evil or not is a little thornier. not is a little thornier.

He commits some truly horrific murders when he He commits some truly horrific murders when he storms Heorot, and torments its citizens for twelve storms Heorot, and torments its citizens for twelve years before Beowulf defeats him. years before Beowulf defeats him.

However, it’s worth noting – as the OEP ever-so-However, it’s worth noting – as the OEP ever-so-slightly does – that Grendel was cursed by God slightly does – that Grendel was cursed by God because of his family’s legacy, not because of his own because of his family’s legacy, not because of his own actions. actions.

His ancestor, Cain, killed his own brother – and His ancestor, Cain, killed his own brother – and his descendants have paid for that original sin his descendants have paid for that original sin through continued banishment. through continued banishment.

He’s even been twisted into something inhuman He’s even been twisted into something inhuman – a symbol of his family’s past, but not of his actions. – a symbol of his family’s past, but not of his actions.

So Grendel, who had done nothing wrong, was So Grendel, who had done nothing wrong, was born as something warped and removed from any born as something warped and removed from any semblance of society, then forced to listen over and semblance of society, then forced to listen over and over again to sounds of happiness and togetherness – over again to sounds of happiness and togetherness – the very things he’d been unfairly denied. the very things he’d been unfairly denied.

This isn’t to excuse his actions; it’s to explain This isn’t to excuse his actions; it’s to explain them. them.

Grendel occupies a gray space in our Grendel occupies a gray space in our ethical and moral systems, as we don’t ethical and moral systems, as we don’t really know what to do with the victim of really know what to do with the victim of abandonment and cruelty who lashes out abandonment and cruelty who lashes out in kind. in kind.

I should point out that, while the I should point out that, while the terms “ethics” and “morals” are related, terms “ethics” and “morals” are related, they aren’t interchangeable. they aren’t interchangeable.

When I speak of “morals,” I’m talking When I speak of “morals,” I’m talking about codes that govern your about codes that govern your personal/private behavior – whether you personal/private behavior – whether you choose to help someone, wear something, choose to help someone, wear something, relate to someone, abandon something, relate to someone, abandon something, etc. etc.

When I speak of “ethics,” I’m talking When I speak of “ethics,” I’m talking about codes that govern your professional about codes that govern your professional conduct – the beliefs that determine my conduct – the beliefs that determine my teaching style, for example. teaching style, for example.

For simplicity’s sake, let’s keep assuming For simplicity’s sake, let’s keep assuming that we have free will. that we have free will.

We established earlier that choices We established earlier that choices mattered to us because they allowed us to mattered to us because they allowed us to deviate from an instinctive, automatic course – deviate from an instinctive, automatic course – manual override, so to speak. manual override, so to speak.

Morals function in much the same way. Morals function in much the same way. Assuming we adhere to the values we say Assuming we adhere to the values we say

we hold, we use morality to arrest our worst we hold, we use morality to arrest our worst impulses – to resist temptation and corruption, or impulses – to resist temptation and corruption, or to avoid harming others or ourselves to avoid harming others or ourselves unnecessarily. unnecessarily.

In other words, morals slam the brakes on In other words, morals slam the brakes on the parts of human nature we don’t like; one the parts of human nature we don’t like; one wonders, then, whether we aim to be something wonders, then, whether we aim to be something other than human. other than human.

However, morality really doesn’t have However, morality really doesn’t have to be restrictive, and nor do ethics. to be restrictive, and nor do ethics.

At its most basic level, the study of At its most basic level, the study of each requires the student to try each requires the student to try discovering the “best” way to live life. discovering the “best” way to live life.

Without those twin senses of Without those twin senses of “goodness,” we simply survive, and never “goodness,” we simply survive, and never grow; as I’ve often stated, our frameworks grow; as I’ve often stated, our frameworks give us direction. give us direction.

And that direction shapes more than And that direction shapes more than your career goals; how many friendships, your career goals; how many friendships, for example, would you lose if you only for example, would you lose if you only made relationships based on who could made relationships based on who could help you survive? help you survive?

More importantly, that combination – choice More importantly, that combination – choice and morality – profoundly impacts each and morality – profoundly impacts each individual’s sense of identity. individual’s sense of identity.

You should consistently check your own You should consistently check your own sense of morality; does it limit or free you? sense of morality; does it limit or free you?

In what ways does it affect you – and are In what ways does it affect you – and are you comfortable with those effects? you comfortable with those effects?

If you’re not, the nice thing is that you’re If you’re not, the nice thing is that you’re allowed to shift your framework; I imagine none allowed to shift your framework; I imagine none of you have the same values you held as a five-of you have the same values you held as a five-year-old, as your needs have changed year-old, as your needs have changed justjust a little a little since then. since then.

And as we pointed out earlier, if you have And as we pointed out earlier, if you have free will, you have the ability to choose your free will, you have the ability to choose your actions based on your individual needs – which, actions based on your individual needs – which, in turn, means you’re responsible for their in turn, means you’re responsible for their consequences, and thus get to choose whether consequences, and thus get to choose whether you’ll lead a “moral” life. you’ll lead a “moral” life.

But what But what isis a “moral” life? a “moral” life? It’s not simply a matter of following accepted It’s not simply a matter of following accepted

rules (although that’s typically not a bad place to rules (although that’s typically not a bad place to start). start).

After all, historians have documented numerous After all, historians have documented numerous acts of civil disobedience – immorality in the acts of civil disobedience – immorality in the legislative sense – that contributed to human legislative sense – that contributed to human progress. progress.

Was Gandhi’s resistance of British rule immoral? Was Gandhi’s resistance of British rule immoral? Was King’s resistance of racial bigotry? Was King’s resistance of racial bigotry? For that matter, would it have been immoral for For that matter, would it have been immoral for

those men, both of whom were capable of so much, to those men, both of whom were capable of so much, to stand by and do nothing in the name of following stand by and do nothing in the name of following society’s established laws? society’s established laws?

In the examples I’ve listed, “legal” and “moral” In the examples I’ve listed, “legal” and “moral” existed at odds with one another. existed at odds with one another.

Should one follow the rules or follow one’s Should one follow the rules or follow one’s instincts when they’re mutually exclusive? instincts when they’re mutually exclusive?

What if your instincts are wrong? What if your instincts are wrong? (You’ll understand why I ask this when you read (You’ll understand why I ask this when you read

the the Revenge TherapyRevenge Therapy thread this week.) thread this week.)

We form moral/ethical frameworks in order to We form moral/ethical frameworks in order to make sense of such situations – to take the things we make sense of such situations – to take the things we comes across and contextualize them in a way that comes across and contextualize them in a way that allows us to act on our interpretations. allows us to act on our interpretations.

That framework allows you to make the choices That framework allows you to make the choices you’d want to make. you’d want to make.

Therefore, those codes eventually – inevitably – Therefore, those codes eventually – inevitably – shape your hopes and dreams…which is why you have shape your hopes and dreams…which is why you have to construct your framework carefully, lest you to construct your framework carefully, lest you accidentally build a prison for yourself. accidentally build a prison for yourself.

(Watch for “the box” in (Watch for “the box” in Revenge Therapy.Revenge Therapy.)) In this sense, the ability to choose to live well is In this sense, the ability to choose to live well is

essentially the ability to choose insight over essentially the ability to choose insight over ignorance, to elevate the rich, varied lifestyle above ignorance, to elevate the rich, varied lifestyle above the thoughtless and bland. the thoughtless and bland.

You can choose either one, of course, but let’s You can choose either one, of course, but let’s say I want to live well, to live a “good” life. say I want to live well, to live a “good” life.

How How dodo I decide to do so? I decide to do so? It seems like an awful lot of people have a lot of It seems like an awful lot of people have a lot of

ideas about how to do things...how do I choose?ideas about how to do things...how do I choose?

Let’s start with that word: “good.” Let’s start with that word: “good.” What does it mean? What does it mean? Well, we defined ethics and morality before we did Well, we defined ethics and morality before we did

anything else because goodness anything else because goodness couldcould be relative, and my be relative, and my impression of living well could be entirely off-base. impression of living well could be entirely off-base.

One thought-school holds that true good and evil One thought-school holds that true good and evil exists in the universe, completely independent of any exists in the universe, completely independent of any perspective-related bias or moral relativism, and that our perspective-related bias or moral relativism, and that our inability to reliably perceive it points to a flaw in us, rather inability to reliably perceive it points to a flaw in us, rather than in the perfect order of the universe. than in the perfect order of the universe.

Another school holds that good and evil are human Another school holds that good and evil are human constructions in a universe that’s much larger than them, constructions in a universe that’s much larger than them, and thus too shallow to accurately describe the things they and thus too shallow to accurately describe the things they do. do.

Still Still anotheranother holds that all morals are relative, holds that all morals are relative, subject to dozens of factors per individual, and that no one subject to dozens of factors per individual, and that no one can point to something absolute and say, “This, here, is can point to something absolute and say, “This, here, is unambiguously, incontrovertibly good” without facing unambiguously, incontrovertibly good” without facing opposition – that, indeed, every individual is responsible opposition – that, indeed, every individual is responsible for defining “goodness” for himself or herself. for defining “goodness” for himself or herself.

But if you are able to shape the concept of whatever But if you are able to shape the concept of whatever qualifies as “good” yourself, does “goodness” lose all real qualifies as “good” yourself, does “goodness” lose all real value? value?

You, for example, may believe Death Cab for You, for example, may believe Death Cab for Cutie is awful; I may believe they’re excellent. Cutie is awful; I may believe they’re excellent.

If we’re listening to the same music at the same If we’re listening to the same music at the same time, doesn’t that just invalidate the value of both time, doesn’t that just invalidate the value of both reactions? reactions?

(Think of the darker version of the P/Not P (Think of the darker version of the P/Not P dilemma.) dilemma.)

The worries here aren’t minor; we’re talking The worries here aren’t minor; we’re talking about the words we use to make sense of the world about the words we use to make sense of the world and those around us, words whose definitions are and those around us, words whose definitions are assumed to be static during most human interactions. assumed to be static during most human interactions.

When someone says something is “good,” your When someone says something is “good,” your first reaction first reaction isn’tisn’t to assume that all concepts of to assume that all concepts of goodness are relative; it’s to mentally process the goodness are relative; it’s to mentally process the thing as “good.” thing as “good.”

So when we say something is “good,” or ask So when we say something is “good,” or ask whether something is “good,” what do we really whether something is “good,” what do we really mean? mean?

Does the use of “good” in “Does the use of “good” in “One Tree HillOne Tree Hill is SO is SO GOOD!” match the use of “good” in “Kindness is good GOOD!” match the use of “good” in “Kindness is good for the soul”? for the soul”?

In some cases, we seem to be stating a fact about In some cases, we seem to be stating a fact about our opinions – when we say our opinions – when we say One Tree HillOne Tree Hill is good, we’re is good, we’re expressing a favorable opinion toward the show with the expressing a favorable opinion toward the show with the expectation that others will agree (or be interested). expectation that others will agree (or be interested).

In other cases, we seem to be stating a fact or truth In other cases, we seem to be stating a fact or truth about something – i.e., “kindness is good.” about something – i.e., “kindness is good.”

We call this We call this evaluative objectivism.evaluative objectivism. Evaluative language assigns a “quality label” to Evaluative language assigns a “quality label” to

something – this is good, that’s bad, this is right, that’s something – this is good, that’s bad, this is right, that’s wrong – and there are different schools of thought relating wrong – and there are different schools of thought relating to our uses of such language. to our uses of such language.

An evaluative objectivist thinks there is such a thing An evaluative objectivist thinks there is such a thing as a “universal bad” or “universal good”; an evaluative as a “universal bad” or “universal good”; an evaluative skeptic, on the other hand, tends to think that there are skeptic, on the other hand, tends to think that there are shades of grey in everything – that is, that good and evil shades of grey in everything – that is, that good and evil are relative concepts rather than moral absolutes. are relative concepts rather than moral absolutes.

There are ways to deal with the skeptical thinker, There are ways to deal with the skeptical thinker, just as there are ways to deal with the objectivist thinker. just as there are ways to deal with the objectivist thinker.

The point, however, is that our personal The point, however, is that our personal understanding of that single four-letter word – “good” – understanding of that single four-letter word – “good” – has a tremendous impact on how we see the world – and, has a tremendous impact on how we see the world – and, therefore, on how we make moral and ethical decisions. therefore, on how we make moral and ethical decisions.

Let’s test this hypothesis with a Let’s test this hypothesis with a simple question: are you living a simple question: are you living a good life? good life?

The obvious follow-up question: The obvious follow-up question: “Well, what defines ‘the’ good life? “Well, what defines ‘the’ good life? What defines ‘a’ good life?” What defines ‘a’ good life?”

I know that a bunch of different I know that a bunch of different responses will pop up around the responses will pop up around the classroom if I ask that question, classroom if I ask that question, because you each have your own because you each have your own interpretation of goodness, and you interpretation of goodness, and you assign your own value/weight to assign your own value/weight to goodness as well.goodness as well.

Can we set up our own ethical and moral Can we set up our own ethical and moral codes just like that, however? codes just like that, however?

Well, sure – morals aren’t (usually) carved Well, sure – morals aren’t (usually) carved in stone, and the construction of those codes in stone, and the construction of those codes plays a huge role in determining any person’s plays a huge role in determining any person’s sense of identity. sense of identity.

What’s hard, though, is trying to separate What’s hard, though, is trying to separate what one is taught from what one teaches what one is taught from what one teaches oneself; I’m not sure morality can develop in a oneself; I’m not sure morality can develop in a social vacuum, but if it can’t, how can you tell social vacuum, but if it can’t, how can you tell which beliefs are really “yours”? which beliefs are really “yours”?

And the bigger question – the more And the bigger question – the more controversial one – is not whether you controversial one – is not whether you cancan set up set up your own ethical and moral codes, but whether your own ethical and moral codes, but whether you should be you should be allowedallowed to do so. to do so.

After all, what’s crime other than a After all, what’s crime other than a misaligning of one’s moral and ethical codes to misaligning of one’s moral and ethical codes to the ones held by the consensus? the ones held by the consensus?

And how easy is it to act perfectly in And how easy is it to act perfectly in accordance with beliefs you don’t personally accordance with beliefs you don’t personally hold?hold?

The whole concept of a society as a body The whole concept of a society as a body rests on the assumption that the people who live rests on the assumption that the people who live together in a certain region did so because they together in a certain region did so because they believe similar things. believe similar things.

This was as true in Beowulf’s time as it is This was as true in Beowulf’s time as it is now, perhaps moreso if you consider the now, perhaps moreso if you consider the likelihood that these characters lived in places likelihood that these characters lived in places where just about everyone ate the same food and where just about everyone ate the same food and spoke the same language. spoke the same language.

But even in our current mishmashed, far-But even in our current mishmashed, far-flung, polyglot society, people tend to self-select flung, polyglot society, people tend to self-select in order to stay close to people who are “like in order to stay close to people who are “like them,” whether in terms of religious, cultural, them,” whether in terms of religious, cultural, social, or political makeup. social, or political makeup.

(This is one reason why Diversity Weeks (This is one reason why Diversity Weeks remain important.) remain important.)

To be clear, my emphasis on belief in this case is To be clear, my emphasis on belief in this case is predicated more on socially-accepted criteria (don’t throw predicated more on socially-accepted criteria (don’t throw things while teaching, etc.) and less on things like who to things while teaching, etc.) and less on things like who to pray to or vote into office. pray to or vote into office.

On that score, as long as my codes meet the criteria On that score, as long as my codes meet the criteria my society uses to define “good,” I’ll probably be fine in its my society uses to define “good,” I’ll probably be fine in its eyes. eyes.

This is why many peoples’ ethical/moral frameworks This is why many peoples’ ethical/moral frameworks are deeply influenced by religious or social precedents; few are deeply influenced by religious or social precedents; few among us want to be exiled. among us want to be exiled.

Most of us would more readily betray our convictions Most of us would more readily betray our convictions then be turned into Grendels, even in a minor way. then be turned into Grendels, even in a minor way.

That, I think, is why it’s so difficult for some of you That, I think, is why it’s so difficult for some of you to understand his situation: you’ve usually been given the to understand his situation: you’ve usually been given the chance to bend yourself into whatever shape you and chance to bend yourself into whatever shape you and others deemed socially acceptable. others deemed socially acceptable.

Grendel never got that chance, was never going to Grendel never got that chance, was never going to get that chance, and then – to top it off – was going to be get that chance, and then – to top it off – was going to be forced to listen to people living the life he’d been denied forced to listen to people living the life he’d been denied while he rotted (semi-literally) in a freezing, haunted while he rotted (semi-literally) in a freezing, haunted swamp.swamp.

Given all that, it’s not particularly surprising that he Given all that, it’s not particularly surprising that he snaps.snaps.

Grendel’s situation is extreme, but it points Grendel’s situation is extreme, but it points back to what Gladwell alludes to when he back to what Gladwell alludes to when he discusses opportunities, or what Dr. King and discusses opportunities, or what Dr. King and Gandhi understood when they led their Gandhi understood when they led their movements: problems occur when, for whatever movements: problems occur when, for whatever reason, it’s not possible to align your beliefs with reason, it’s not possible to align your beliefs with societal norms. societal norms.

A society full of people with A society full of people with wildlywildly divergent ideas of ethics/morals cannot stand: divergent ideas of ethics/morals cannot stand: we use “consensus morality” to define we use “consensus morality” to define criminality, and a total lack of agreement on criminality, and a total lack of agreement on basic standards simply leads to the collapse of basic standards simply leads to the collapse of law. law.

Yet there’s an equal danger in Yet there’s an equal danger in “groupthink,” where progressive ideas are “groupthink,” where progressive ideas are instantly feared, dismissed, or ridiculed simply instantly feared, dismissed, or ridiculed simply because they don’t match pre-existing because they don’t match pre-existing standards.  standards. 

That’s the balancing act, then, That’s the balancing act, then, that falls to every individual: how that falls to every individual: how different can I choose to be? different can I choose to be?

How unique should my choices How unique should my choices and morals be? and morals be?

How much do I dare to rock the How much do I dare to rock the boat while I’m alive? boat while I’m alive?

Can I live with my choices along Can I live with my choices along the way? the way?

And can I live with them when And can I live with them when the bill comes due?the bill comes due?