Story-Shaped Ethics

Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s cousin says that as a child Dietrich was greatly moved by reading a book entitled Heroes of Everyday, filled with stories of courageous young people who, with selflessness and clear thinking, often saved other’s lives, sometimes at the cost of their own (Metaxas, pp. 18-19). And, apparently, Bonhoeffer was reading Plutarch’s Lives–stories exploring the character of ancient figures–shortly before he was executed. Can we doubt that Bonhoeffer’s reading shaped his acting, including the decision to risk his own life to save others?

Ethics are more formed by the stories with which we surround ourselves, than by the rules that are drilled into us. Tell us what stories you value, and we have a good start on knowing who you are and how you will act in the world.