Rekindling the Flame of Family Values: A Call for Ethical Re-evaluation Inspired by Electra

The ancient tale of Electra is one of family feuds, revenge and tragedy. While deeply infused in the fabric of Greek mythology, it eclipses its era, and provides a profound allegory of the disintegrating crisis of evaporating family values, a challenge that has tormented human societies through the ages. Electra’s narrative, comprising themes of familial loyalty, betrayal, and justice, expresses the intricate coexistence between individual moral convictions and collective ethical standards that constitute the structural frame of society. Feelings of anger, vengeance and rage are normal at certain points in our lives. The real test is how we deal with these emotions. How we express these feelings to those around us in a positive way or if these emotions are repressed creates rivets in our psyche and in the long run negative impacts on our inner self and our inner peace and even the peace of those around us.  This story serves as proof of the gradual disintegration of the family as the bedrock of society and the urgent need for a comprehensive revaluation of our human values.

The Disintegration of Family Bonds: A Historical Perspective

The allegorical Electra story reflects the broader societal shifts in which the ties of the family disappear from their traditional place and communal responsibilities. The story suggests that the corruption of family values is not a modern phenomenon but rather a historical constant, where every generation faces the challenge of either rebuilding or restoring the fundamental social unit of the family. In today’s technological age, the frenzied pace of development and the pervasive effect of the use of technology have only served to intensify this decline, leaving people oblivious to their intrinsic social bonds and obligations and open to the all-too-easy superficial instantaneous gratification of a like or a meme in reply to a serious message and sometimes a cry for help to others.

Importance of Inner Reflection

The sense of Electra’s worth is also embedded in the fact that during one’s family members and their actions, or in its absence, all of it seems ambiguous with a sense of morality. We are forced to question how, in the face of diminished family ties and clear ethical guidelines, we can navigate the moral dilemmas of modern life. The allegory suggests a return to the basic human values that society has failed to nurture within the family unit these include love, loyalty, and justice but also:

1. Empathy: The ability to understand and share the feelings of another, fostering a community that values compassion and kindness.
2. Respect: Treating others with dignity and valuing their rights, opinions, and differences, which is critical for peaceful coexistence.
3. Integrity: The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles, ensuring trustworthiness and reliability in social interactions.
4. Responsibility: Acknowledging and taking accountability for one’s actions, contributing to a society where individuals and institutions can be trusted to act in the community’s best interest.
5. Equality: Promoting fairness and justice, ensuring that everyone has the same opportunities regardless of their background, identity, or circumstances.
6. Cooperation: Working together towards common goals, which is vital for the progress and well-being of the community.
7. Compassion: Showing kindness and concern for others, especially those who are suffering or less fortunate, which strengthens social bonds and support networks.
8. Tolerance: The willingness to accept and permit differences, which helps to build a more inclusive and harmonious society.
9. Gratitude: Appreciating what one has and recognizing the contributions of others, which fosters positivity and a sense of community.
10. Wisdom: The ability to think and act using knowledge, experience, understanding, and insight, essential for making decisions that benefit the individual and the society as a whole.

By reawakening these values, we can relocate within the framework of society.

Re-evaluating Our Ethical Framework

From Electra’s allegory, this call to action is a profound re-evaluation of our human values, urging us to listen to our inner voice and re-anchor our moral compass. Re-evaluation requires a deliberate alteration away from external factors and a return to our inner voice. A promotion of the values which foster empathy, dignity, respect, and mutual understanding. As we tackle the complexities of contemporary life, the lessons of Electra’s tale remind us of the importance of family in fostering an advanced, ethical society.

Advancing as a Cultured Society

To transform into a cultured society, we must embrace the challenge of re-establishing family values and re-envisioning collective ethical frameworks. This calls for a conscious effort to raise within families and communities the qualities of compassion, integrity, and responsibility.

The allegory of Electra, with its enduring appeal, is a compelling reminder of the work that must still be done in reviving the essence of family values and seeking an advanced, ethical world. With a hopeful look toward the future, the path forward is clear: it is through the strengthening of family bonds and the cultivation of an introspective ethical vision that we can achieve a truly advanced and cultured society.

To create such a shift, we realise that technological progress does not lead us to true fulfilment. We need to foster a morally and culturally wealthy society. However until 2 billion people or 25% of the global population sow the seed of these ideas deep in their internal world and make them part of their persona, we will never reach the point of critical mass to make a substantial change in the world. Are you able to sow that seed? Can you decide to join us in this difficult task that will require leaders from all over the world?

At Schellhammer Institute need to redefine core family values is highlighted as a fundamental process to advance as a species. Follow us and join our leadership course to learn more about these practical philosophical concepts. The task is not for the faint of heart. Be part of this movement! Change your thoughts, change your actions, change your life and that of those around you! Be part of a tidal wave of positive societal change.