Victor David Hanson is a professor emeritus of California State University, a Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution, and a Distinguished Fellow in History at Hillsdale College. On May 10, 2025, he spoke to the graduating class of Hillsdale at their 173rd Commencement Ceremony. It is worth your time to read it. You can find it by clicking here.1https://singjupost.com/transcript-of-victor-davis-hanson-2025-commencement-address-at-hillsdale-college/ Hanson spoke on American Virtues. He listed three: Honor, Tradition, and Optimism. Lostpine looked at God’s Word to examine the biblical perspectives on these three virtues, identifying them as foundational. We found that honor was aligned with faith, the origin of enduring traditions was God, and the cornerstone of optimism (hope) enabled the future of subsequent generations.
Honor
God addresses the concept of honor clearly in the Scriptures. One of the Ten Commandments highlights the importance of honoring one’s parents. Exodus 20:12 states, “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.”2NIV New International Version Translations If we cannot honor the generation that gave us life, we risk abandoning our future because we place no value on our own lives.
The Bible frequently emphasizes the importance of honoring God through obedience, worship, and reverence. For example, Proverbs 3:9 instructs, “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops.” This illustrates that when honor is present, so too are mercy and generosity. A person’s honesty reflects their honor for all of God’s creation.
The New Testament also commands us to honor others above ourselves. Romans 12:10 advises, “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” Here, we see another vital aspect of honor: humility. To honor someone else, one must not regard oneself as superior.
Additionally, God’s Word emphasizes the importance of living honorably. A lack of honor in someone’s life could jeopardize their future in God’s kingdom. 1 Peter 2:17 instructs us to “Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.”
These passages highlight the crucial role honor plays in various aspects of life, including family, faith, and community. They are depicted as the foundation of a strong and virtuous character.
Tradition
In the New Testament, Jesus frequently confronted the Pharisees and teachers of the law regarding their traditions. For instance, in Mark 7:8, Jesus states, “You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions.” These traditions refer to teachings passed down through generations. However, there is a risk that traditions can degrade into empty formality, rooted in mere ceremonialism and external practices. When traditions serve as a foundation for connection, a guide for ethical living, and a source of comfort and identity, they benefit society. Yet, when they become rigid, exclusive, or conflict with fundamental human rights and progress, their value diminishes and can even become harmful.
What are the traditions of our nation that foster pride, honesty, and hard work? Why are some individuals willing to die for our country? In 2 Thessalonians 2:15, Paul encourages believers to uphold the teachings passed down to them: “So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.”
The family serves as the foundation of tradition—its heartbeat and its guardians. From the very start of life, parents and caregivers transmit more than just customs; they instill language, values, beliefs, and the unwritten rules that shape identity. Through everyday activities—teaching, storytelling, shared meals, and rituals—children absorb the living culture of their community. Family traditions become anchors, grounding each generation in a shared sense of purpose and belonging while opening the door to the wisdom of the past. This is why honoring our history is so essential. Psalm 78:4 states, “We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done.”
As our society evolved, schools—from primary to higher education—became crucial for systematically transmitting cultural knowledge, values, and skills. The creation of values occurs through formal curriculum (e.g., history, literature, civics) and a “hidden curriculum” that teaches societal norms, discipline, respect, and social control. Teachers act as formal transmitters of culture, conveying shared knowledge and values to their students. Understanding the “hidden curriculum” is paramount!
Today, mass media and technology significantly impact cultural transmission. Television, movies, music, the Internet, and social media disseminate cultural values, trends, and information, often influencing what is deemed acceptable or desirable in society. While they can convey traditional elements, they can also contribute to the evolution and sometimes dilution of traditions.
Victor Davis Hanson noted that 173 years of tradition at Hillsdale College still produce outstanding graduates. One reason for this success is that Hillsdale works to conserve religious culture and, through the selection of instructors, teaches the essentials of the Christian faith. The college takes God seriously and fosters an earnest and vibrant spiritual life on campus.
Optimism
Biblical optimism is primarily rooted in hope in God’s character and His sovereign plan. This distinction sets it apart from worldly optimism, which may rely on wishful thinking, karma, or the denial of problems.
While the Bible does not provide a direct, single-sentence definition of “optimism” as a dictionary might, it presents a concept that is deeply anchored in hope and trust in God, rather than a mere positive outlook based on circumstances or human abilities. Romans 15:13 states, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” This verse connects hope, joy, peace, and trust to God. Biblical optimism is not about ignoring hardships or pretending problems do not exist. Instead, it offers a positive outlook even during suffering because it looks beyond earthly events to God’s ultimate plan and eternal promises.
There is also a significant link between success and optimism. The tendency to expect positive outcomes can significantly influence one’s success in life. Optimistic individuals often adopt a positive mindset, enabling them to approach challenges with confidence and resilience. This positive attitude can enhance problem-solving and decision-making skills.
Optimism serves as fuel for motivation and persistence. When faced with obstacles, optimistic people are more likely to persevere and continue working toward their goals rather than giving up. Romans 8:28 reinforces this idea: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” This verse emphasizes that even in difficult circumstances, believers can maintain an optimistic outlook because God is working for their ultimate good. This kind of optimism rests on the assurance that God is faithful to His promises and will never abandon His people.
Conclusion
Jeremiah 29:11) – “For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'”
What message should we pass on to the next generation? Consider this profound truth: In Deuteronomy 6:6-7, God reveals the key to a meaningful life: “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” By honoring God and embracing His teachings, we equip our children with a strong foundation to face the world. When we instill in them a vibrant faith and encourage them to step boldly into the future, they are guided by His light and inspired by His love.
Contemplations
- How can we effectively integrate the teachings of faith into the everyday conversations and routines of family life?
- Items to Explore: Consider creating a family devotional time or a gratitude journal where family members can share their thoughts and experiences related to their faith. This could help make the commandments more relevant and personal to daily living. Use public situations to demonstrate to children how your stated values are lived out in real time.
- In what ways can we model a life of faith and positive outlook, even during challenging times, to inspire the next generation?
- Items to Explore: Reflect on personal stories or testimonials from your life that demonstrate resilience and faith in difficult situations. These narratives can serve as powerful teaching moments for younger family members, showing them the importance of trusting in God amid adversity. Can you think of a few examples where you have given your children or other children your testimony of faith?
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