There's a ton of wisdom here. I know the topic is cities, but the essay and insights can be applied to universities without changing a word. The last six years have seen an unprecedented erosion of civility and trust at universities. So many leaders indulged "gotcha!" culture for so long that the sense of common purpose has receded far into the distance. It's such a shame.
Thanks, Mike—and you’re absolutely right. The erosion of trust and shared purpose is just as real in universities. When civility collapses, no institution is immune.
One more note: on the excellent admonition about gossip here, readers will enjoy a very wise short essay by Lucian of Samosata. It's titled "Slander, a Warning," and it's well worth reading slowly and repeatedly. Back in the Renaissance, it was required reading in many a classroom. The text is here: https://sacred-texts.com/cla/luc/wl4/wl402.htm
There's a ton of wisdom here. I know the topic is cities, but the essay and insights can be applied to universities without changing a word. The last six years have seen an unprecedented erosion of civility and trust at universities. So many leaders indulged "gotcha!" culture for so long that the sense of common purpose has receded far into the distance. It's such a shame.
Thanks, Mike—and you’re absolutely right. The erosion of trust and shared purpose is just as real in universities. When civility collapses, no institution is immune.
One more note: on the excellent admonition about gossip here, readers will enjoy a very wise short essay by Lucian of Samosata. It's titled "Slander, a Warning," and it's well worth reading slowly and repeatedly. Back in the Renaissance, it was required reading in many a classroom. The text is here: https://sacred-texts.com/cla/luc/wl4/wl402.htm
Great share.
Thank you for an understandable and actionable lesson on civility.
Your wisdom, compassion, and common sense shine through your words!
Thank you, Tony.