Laurence Cooper, professor of political science, recently gave a lecture, "Me, Myself – and Rousseau: The New American Spirituality and Its Origin," at Christopher Newport University on April 8. The discussion analyzed the increasing tendency in America to think that the proper way to live is to turn inward and get in touch with oneself. Cooper, however, discussed the importance of former belief, where people looked beyond themselves for guidance and validation. Previously, Rousseau had promoted these ideas, which urge for less rigorous self-examination and more spontaneity and sincerity. The source of these features is belief in the natural goodness of human beings and the idea of a perfect true self.
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