Recognizing and embracing our shared humanity

Real progress occurs when individual lives change for the better. Colleges and universities formerly aspired to develop the character of their students. The trend of late has been to treat students as “customers.” Canwe once again help students to recognizewhatmatters to them and help them develop a philosophy of life? This chapter describes one approach and tool. Drawing on social psychologists’ findings of patterned regularity in the world, it aims to reveal commonalities especially in individual values. While we don’t want to “tell” students, simply asking them to recall and report is inadequate. Rather we want them to discover. Knowing where your values come from, and in particular knowing what personal and cultural experiences shape whatmatters, is crucial to understanding what is important in life. The chapter outlines a pedagogical tool to elicit this sharing and recognition.