The Daily Dad

Don’t Just Protect Yours

Dec 13, 2019

02:25

Snipd AI

In this podcast, they discuss the importance of extending care beyond just our own family and towards the broader community. They emphasize thinking generationally and for the common good.

AI Summary

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Expanding our definition of 'our own' in parenting to include all children, not just our biological ones, is crucial for creating a better world.

Embracing a collective responsibility for fatherhood and thinking of our kids as 'everybody' can lead to a positive impact on the lives of all children and symbolizes the importance of unity, justice, and the common good in fulfilling the role of a father.

Deep dives

Thinking Beyond Our Biological Kids

In this podcast episode, the speaker emphasizes the importance of expanding our definition of 'our own' when it comes to parenting and caring for children. While it is natural to prioritize our biological children, it is crucial to think beyond them and consider the well-being of all kids. The podcast highlights the shift towards provincialism and nepotism, where the concept of 'our own' has become limited to race or blood relatives. The speaker argues that to create a better world, we must think generationally and collectively, like a village or a group. This perspective aligns with Stoic teachings, emphasizing the idea of the common good and Marcus Aurelius' concern for all children, not just his own.

Thinking Beyond 'Our Own' and Embracing a Shared Responsibility

2min

We take care of our own, we say. Family is family. Blood is thicker than water. These are noble sentiments that have encouraged beautiful sacrifice, forgiveness, and accomplishments. One problem with it though is that it too easily justifies provincialism and nepotism.

A recent social critic observed that not long ago when people talked about getting together to do something “for our kids,” whether it was build a swimming pool or invest in education, it was obvious that they meant everybody’s kids. Or, at least, they meant more than just their biological kids.

But unfortunately, that’s changed. When we say “our own” we don’t think Americans or whatever country we live in, we think race. Or we think our blood relatives. That’s awful. This system we live in demands that we think of ourselves as more than just parents to our own kids. We have to think generationally. We can’t just think about getting ours, or protecting ours. We have to think like a village, like a group.

The Stoics remind us that we are “made for each other.” Marcus Aurelius spoke dozens of times about the “common good.” He didn’t just care about his kids. He cared about everybody’s kids. Because that’s what justice—what doing the right thing—demands of us.

It’s better to think of “our kids” as everybody. We’re all in this together, every single dad. We’re all better if we’re doing better, together.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.