Definition:

The Domain of the Human Spirit
“True education, whatever that may be, will have the greatest tendency to civilize and humanize [the Guardians] in their relations to one another, and to those who are under their protection.”
(Plato, Republic 416, trans. Jowett)

Throughout their years at West Point, Cadets have access to an extraordinary range of opportunities for academic, military, physical, social, and moral and ethical development. They learn as well that genuine scholarship is more than a body of knowledge, military professionalism more than technical skill, and sportsmanship more than brute strength. Something deeper motivates leaders of character who are more than merely the sum of their educational parts. Such is the concern of the “Domain of the Human Spirit”: the dynamic quest of reflective people who search for truth and the strength of will to live according to it. Throughout human history, this dynamism has found expression not only in the truths of the great religious and philosophical traditions but also in the worlds of literature, art, music, and other forms of creative expression. However diverse their sensibilities, however varied their answers, these traditions address the perennial concerns of human beings: What is real? What kind of life is worth living? How am I to treat others? How do I distinguish good from evil, truth from falsehood, justice from injustice? How do I develop the strength of will to act upon my convictions and to meet my responsibilities? Is there life after death? Thus, the domain of the human spirit entails the very essence of a person’s character, will, drive to develop one’ potential, and approach to making meaning out of life’s experiences. The quest to develop the human spirit is continuous and also an individual responsibility. There are no right or wrong ways to develop one’s spirit, thus each person’s journey will be different. To summarize, the domain of the human spirit involves one’s search to find:

• one’s true self in terms of personal and collective core values and beliefs;
• meaning and purpose in life, making a difference and thus making life worth living;
• truth about the world;
• strength of will to live by one’s convictions and to meet responsibilities;
• relationships that lead to growth and  fulfillment; and
•  the autonomy to realize one’s full potential.

 

Overarching Goal & Objectives:

Graduates who:
1. actively develop a coherent and principled world view that frames their most fundamental values and beliefs;

* identify their core values and beliefs
* create your own guidelines (rules) for living your life
* understand the origins of their core values and beliefs
* assess the adequacy and validity of their values and beliefs
* understand how their core values and beliefs influence your perceptions, attitudes, and behavior
* integrate and de-conflict their values and beliefs to achieve coherence

2. take responsibility for their own journey in the development of their spirit;

* assess the development of their spirit to determine strengths and areas needing improvement
* create and continuously refine their plan for growing their spirit
* seek external resources (e.g., mentors, friends, family members, religious communities, books, philosophies, art, music, and theater), if desired, to aid in the development of their spirit
* seek opportunities to learn about and develop their spirit



3. accept the life and death implications of military service;

* think through the implications of taking another human life in service to the country to determine how they would make meaning of this experience
* think through the ramifications to themselves and their families of the possibility of losing their lives in service to the country
* appreciate and accept the awesome duty of being responsible for soldiers’ lives in combat

4. understand their own life purpose and role within the contexts of the world community, the Nation, and the Army Profession;

* identify what would make their life satisfying and fulfilling
* reflect on how service in the Army and to the Nation provides purpose to their lives
* reflect on how their service contributes to making the country and world community a better place to live
* understand the expectations that the four identity facets of Officership (i.e., warrior, leader of character, servant of the nation, and member of profession of arms) have regarding life-long service to the country and community
* understand their responsibility in facilitating unit members’ pursuits in developing their human spirits

5. are able to appreciate and respect the diverse views of others and engage them on a constructive basis;

* seek to learn about, understand, and experience diverse cultures
* accept that people from different cultures will view the world differently and that this is not bad or wrong
* recognize the innate value of all human beings
* understand that diverse views present either opportunities for learning and growth or conflict
* seek to find the commonality between diverse cultures
* see the world through the lens of people who hold different views then their own

6. consistently engage in reflection and introspection to understand themselves;

* seek out opportunities for reflection and introspection (e.g., keeping a journal, making quiet time to think, going on a retreat, taking personality inventories, etc.)
* incorporate reflection and introspection as part of their developmental plan for the spirit
* periodically assess their values and beliefs, life purpose, and world-view to ensure adequacy.

7. are committed to living a principled centered life and developing their potential;

* behave in accordance with their core values and beliefs.
* meet the expectations and responsibilities of being an Officer in the Army (i.e., leader of character, member of the profession of arms, servant of the nation, and warrior).
* seek opportunities to develop their talents and pursue passions
* live a healthy life-style
* take advantage of opportunities to serve others and your community

8. are imbued with the strength of spirit to persevere and prevail when faced with significant challenges and to meet responsibilities; and

* understand and appreciate that the citizens of the country are counting on them to fight and win our Nation’s wars
* meet their responsibilities, even at sacrifice to their own self-interests
* view challenges and obstacles as opportunities for growth
* draw strength from their core values and beliefs when challenged
* understand that they are not defeated until they decide they are
* consistently complete challenges or goals
* draw strength and resources from others to help them overcome challenges
* consistently challenge their perceived limits

9.  seek, develop, and nurture relationships that lead to growth and fulfillment.

* understand their needs and goals for relationships
* are able to take the perspective of another in relationships
* are able to transcend or step-out of their own self-interests to serve the good of the relationship
* work to establish cooperative relationships so all benefit
* seek relationships where they are respected and valued
* respect and value others in relationships
* seek healthy relationships that provide autonomy and support for growth
* meet their responsibilities in relationships
* treat others in relationships fairly and honestly
* effectively communicate with others in relationships
* build relationships based on trust
* understand the impact of military service on relationships

 

Domain Books:

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