Beyond Polarization: Leading with Civic Virtue in a Divided World
“John Marshall has made his decision, Now let him enforce it.”
- Attributed to President Andrew Jackson, 1832
Though likely apocryphal, this quote, attributed to President Andrew Jackson in 1832, perfectly captures his defiance of the Supreme Court's ruling against the seizure of Cherokee land. Jackson's anger stemmed from the Court's decision, which declared the land grab (driven by the discovery of gold) a violation of federal treaties. Both Jackson and the state of Georgia ignored the ruling, highlighting a fundamental tension: what can a court do when the executive branch refuses to comply and enforce its orders? Ezra Klein's recent interview with Quinta Jurecic of Lawfare, and Isaac Chotiner's recent interview with Cristina Rodriguez of Yale Law School, have explored this issue, underscoring how executive defiance poses an enduring challenge to the judiciary.
So this week I’ve been asking myself, “where does the legitimacy of our courts come from?” As someone working to support purpose-driven leaders, I’m also asking, “Where does the legitimacy of the organization you are leading come from?” I’ve found myself turning to Enlightenment thinkers to better understand the ideas that gave rise to our Constitution. One phrase, in particular, caught my attention:
"There is no great share of probity necessary to support a monarchical or despotic government. The force of laws in one, and the prince's arm in the other, are sufficient to direct and maintain the whole. But in a popular state, one spring more is necessary, namely, virtue."
Montesquieu, The Spirit of the Laws
Montesquieu, a French judge and philosopher wrote The Spirit of Laws in 1748. In the quote above, he’s basically saying, “Look, dictatorships and monarchies don't need everyone to be good; laws or the ruler's power keep things in line. But democracies need good, moral citizens to work.” Montequeiu’s reasoning greatly influenced the architects of the U.S. Constitution and laid the groundwork for our separation of powers.
Montesquieu argues that without civic virtue, republics are destined to fail. He explains that it is this “love of country,” or putting the collective good ahead of one’s individual interests, that gives rise to the legitimacy and functioning of the government. Civic virtue is a commitment to the common good, prioritizing the well-being of the community and the health of democratic institutions over individual interests. This commitment to the good of all manifests in various ways, from participating in government to simply treating others with respect. He posits that participation in government, education, and equal treatment foster this essential love for the republic.
Montesquieu warns against the decline of this public spirit by sharing what happened to Athens when defeated by Philip of Macedon during the ancient battle of Chaeronea in 338BCE. In his view, Athens' downfall wasn't due to a lack of fighting force, but a decline in virtue, a loss of focus on the common good, and a prioritization of pleasure over liberty. Internal decay and increased factionalism made Athens vulnerable to external forces. Just as Athens declined due to a lack of civic virtue, our country faces similar risks today.
But why is this "love of country" so important? Mark Moore, a professor at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, illuminates this connection by exploring the relationship between civic virtue and the creation of public value – the tangible benefits that government provides to improve people’s lives
These public goods exist because of civic virtue and the value they deliver for all citizens. They represent the collective will of the people to invest in things that benefit everyone. Leaders who understand this connection are more likely to prioritize these essential services and advocate for their continued support:
Clean Water and Air
Fire protection
Education and science
Infrastructure
Libraries & museums
Public parks and lands
Public health care for our elderly and the poor
Protection for disabled citizens.
Security, locally and nationally
What does any of this have to do with leadership? Why should leaders of our public agencies, non-profit organizations, and social entrepreneurs care about civic virtue?
Our United States faces a complex set of challenges that threaten the health of its democracy and the well-being of its citizens. These challenges include political polarization, social and economic inequality, declining trust in institutions, and a rise in misinformation and disinformation. In this context, civic virtue is more important than ever for leaders across all sectors of American society.
Leaders play a crucial role in fostering civic virtue. They set the tone for their organizations and communities, and their actions can either inspire or erode civic engagement. Here's why leaders should concern themselves with civic virtue:
1. Civic virtue strengthens democracy:
Preserves Institutions: Civic virtue is essential for preserving the institutions and norms that underpin American democracy. When citizens are informed, engaged, and willing to participate in the political process, they help to safeguard the system from threats like corruption, authoritarianism, and erosion of rights.
Promotes Civil Discourse: Civic virtue encourages respectful dialogue and compromise, even amidst disagreements. Leaders who model and promote civil discourse can help to bridge divides and find common ground, fostering a more productive and collaborative political environment.
Protects Freedoms: A virtuous citizenry is more likely to defend fundamental freedoms like freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and the right to assembly. Leaders who uphold these freedoms and encourage their exercise contribute to a more robust and resilient democracy.
Think about Fred Rogers, and the gentle conversations modeled on his television show, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. He served as a role model for adults as well as children. His actions remind us of the importance of kindness, empathy, and respectful communication. Remember Fred Rogers’ testimony before the Senate Subcommittee on Communications in 1969, in defense of public television funding, which was about to be cut. The subcommittee chairman, Senator John Pastore, was initially skeptical and impatient, but visibly softened and became engrossed in Rogers’ testimony. You can hear the care in Fred Rogers’ voice as he speaks about the need for children to hear “an expression of care,” and then recites the full lyrics of his song “What do you do with the mad you feel? to the enthralled committee chair. The funding of public television was ultimately secured, thanks in large part to Rogers’ advocacy and his work to promote civil discourse.
🎬Leader Action: Demonstrate respectful communication in your interactions, even when dealing with those with whom you disagree. Actively listen to opposing viewpoints, avoid personal attacks, and focus on finding common ground.
2. Civic virtue builds a more just and equitable society:
Social Cohesion: Civic virtue fosters a sense of shared responsibility and a commitment to the common good. Leaders who prioritize social cohesion can help to address issues like inequality, poverty, and discrimination, creating a more just and equitable society for all.
Community Engagement: Civic virtue encourages active participation in community life. Leaders who support and facilitate community engagement can help to build stronger, more resilient communities where everyone feels a sense of belonging and purpose.
Ethical Leadership: Leaders who embody civic virtue are more likely to act with integrity, fairness, and a commitment to the public good. This ethical leadership can inspire trust and confidence, fostering a more positive and productive organizational culture.
Think about Dolores Huerta and her unwavering commitment to nonviolence as she spent her life fighting for social change. She co-founded the National Farmworkers Association, which later became the United Farm Workers (UFW) union. Huerta’s leadership focused on empowering communities to take action for themselves. Her negotiations and strategy led to the passage of The California Agricultural Labor Relations Act of 1975, allowing farmworkers to unionize, collectively bargain, and be protected from unfair labor practices. Her community engagement led to a more equitable reality for over 800,000 farmworkers at the time, while millions of farmworkers have benefitted from these protections since.
🎬Leader Action: Highlight shared values and common goals: Publicly emphasize what unites people, rather than focusing on divisions. You can do this when speaking publicly, in social media posts, or through your internal communication.
3. Civic virtue fosters economic prosperity:
Trust and Cooperation: Civic virtue promotes trust and cooperation, which are essential for a healthy economy. When citizens trust each other and their institutions, they are more likely to engage in economic activity, invest in their communities, and support policies that benefit the broader economy.
Innovation and Problem-Solving: A society with strong civic virtue is better equipped to address complex challenges and find innovative solutions. Leaders who encourage critical thinking, collaboration, and a focus on the common good can help to foster a more dynamic and prosperous economy.
Social Responsibility: Civic virtue encourages businesses and organizations to act in a socially responsible manner, considering the impact of their decisions on the environment, their employees, and the communities they serve. This can lead to more sustainable and equitable economic growth.
Think about Ray Anderson, the founder of Interface Carpet, who had a personal awakening upon reading Paul Hawken’s book, The Ecology of Commerce. He realized that his company was causing profound environmental damage. He launched “Mission Zero,” a commitment to eliminate Interface’s negative environmental impact by 2020. He implemented innovative ways to recycle old carpet into new products, shifted to renewable energy sources like solar and wind power, started using plant-based materials instead of petroleum-based products, and improved energy and water efficiency in manufacturing processes. Anderson’s goals were successful, and the company has continued in this direction.
🎬Leader Action: Create a culture of psychological safety. Your people are more likely to take risks and share new ideas when they feel safe to do so without fear of ridicule. This accelerates problem-solving and effectiveness. You can foster this by encouraging experimentation and helping your team to learn from errors.
4. Civic virtue combats misinformation and disinformation:
Critical Thinking: Civic virtue encourages critical thinking and a healthy skepticism towards information. Leaders who promote media literacy and critical thinking skills can help citizens to discern truth from falsehood and make informed decisions.
Truth and Accountability: A virtuous society values truth and accountability. Leaders who are transparent, honest, and accountable to the public help to build trust and counter the spread of misinformation and disinformation.
Think about Maria Ressa, a Filipino-American journalist and founder of Rappler, and independent news website in the Philippines. Her team has conducted extensive research into online disinformation networks in the Philippines and exposed how these networks use social media platforms to spread propaganda, manipulate public opinion, and harass and intimidate critics of government. She was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2021 for her “courageous fight for freedom of expression.” She has published several books, including “How to Stand Up to a Dictator.”
🎬Leader Action: Be sure to hold yourself and your organizations accountable for the accuracy of the information it shares. Address misinformation when you see it, even if it comes from within your own team. Model a questioning mindset. Ask “who is the source?”, “what is the evidence?”, “what is the motive?” before accepting information.
5. Civic virtue strengthens national unity:
Shared Values: Civic virtue emphasizes shared values and a commitment to the common good, which can help to bridge divides and strengthen national unity. Leaders who promote inclusivity, respect for diversity, and a sense of shared purpose can help to bring citizens together and overcome the challenges facing the nation.
Think of Jacinda Ardern, the Prime Minister of New Zealand from 2017-2023. In the wake of the horrific Christchurch mosque shootings, she fostered nationwide unity through a tone of empathy and compassion. She passed nationwide gun control laws, and emphasized inclusive language, a message of “they are us.” She went on to implement programs addressing child poverty, prioritizing reconciliation efforts with Maori, the indigenous people. She focused on the well-being of citizens and bringing her country together around the common goals of sustainability and social justice.
🎬Leader Action: Share stories that highlight the strength and resilience of the community or organization, particularly stories that demonstrate how people have come together to overcome challenges.
Civic virtue is not just a matter of individual morality; it's a crucial ingredient for a healthy democracy, a just society, and a prosperous economy – the bedrock of our present and the foundation of our future. In 2025, leaders across all sectors of American society have a responsibility to cultivate civic virtue within their organizations and communities, contributing to a stronger, more resilient, and more equitable nation for all.
Civic virtue isn't a relic of the past; it's the bedrock of our present and the foundation of our future. From strengthening our democratic institutions to fostering economic prosperity and combating the spread of misinformation, the cultivation of civic virtue is more urgent than ever. It's not just a nice-to-have; it's a must-have. Let us, as leaders and citizens, commit to nurturing this essential quality in ourselves and in those around us, ensuring a more just, equitable, and united society for generations to come.
Know a leader who embodies civic virtue, or one who needs encouragement? Forward them this article! Even better, send me an email (justin [at] thirdorderchange [dot] org) with the names of three leaders you think I should connect with who could benefit from this message.