In today’s increasingly partisan environment, candidates, surrogates and commentators on both sides of the aisle continue to spout bombastic rhetoric. Unfortunately, it appears to be just a symptom and not the disease.

It seems common during election cycles to invoke the opinions, collectively and individually, of former senior military officials. Although this trend troubles me for many reasons, I find it instructive to revisit the words of our first military leader, George Washington. Although an entire study could focus on his exposition of the threat of factions, in his farewell speech Washington warns against “the fury of partisanship… (and) the impostures of so-called patriotism.” It doesn’t take much imagination to recognize the prescience of his words.

But is “partisanship” or “so-called patriotism” another symptom? Or illness?

Washington’s own description of his service is essential to this answer. After discussing the “relationship that binds a respectful citizen to his country”, he lamented being “reluctantly withdrawn” from his retirement because of the trust of his fellow citizens. He then said: “In the exercise of this trust, I will only say that I have, with good intentions, contributed…to the best efforts of which very fallible judgment was capable.” Not unconscious…of the inferiority of my qualifications…” Washington finished by implying that he knew that others had a higher opinion of him than he did.

Can you imagine a politician on either side today truly expressing a similar sentiment?

The era of Eisenhower’s farewellwidely known for his comments on the military-industrial complex, but without acknowledgment of other caveats. He began by saying, “I wish the new President and all who will work with him well…my official relationship with the Congress ends with a feeling, on my part, of gratitude for what we have been able to do so many years.” things together. » Likewise gone are inaugural speeches like that of John F. Kennedywhich included the famous encouragement: “Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.” »

Can you imagine today’s politicians openly expressing gratitude to their opposition colleagues or urging their constituents to care more about others than themselves?

Having spent my military career flying fighter jets, we teach, train and debrief to determine the root cause of errors. While other causes may be compelling, at the root of today’s hyper-partisan engagement – ​​so called because I cannot, in good conscience, call it speech – is a self-centered hubris devoid of gratitude and political sense owed to this great nation.

Too hard? Maybe. But the oath of office of the military and elected officials does not imply such selfish motivation. And the vast majority of those I have served with have truly demonstrated a servant and warrior mentality, even though we all sometimes struggle to overcome our arrogant and selfish tendencies.

So, if proud selfishness is the disease, can a nation cure itself of such an illness? For the sake of my five children and five grandchildren, I hope so.

Today’s society has become too focused on individuality. However, individual benefit requires individual responsibility, even accountability. Too often, the altruism inherent in true leadership and sincere citizenship, whether expressed in the more current mantra of “pay it forward” or in the time-honored expression of “duty to country,” is not is just an afterthought.

Thus, the remedy must include steering today’s rising generation away from self-centered societal tendencies and toward a perspective of gratitude and service. How?

We could create a stronger sense of connection to the country and to each other through compulsory service. Not necessarily military service, but all service, including opportunities within our communities and beyond. Dedicating a year in early adulthood to outside service—homeless shelters, food banks, the Peace Corps, cleaning up national parks, or even serving in the military—leads to a more holistic perspective. Any service beyond oneself is likely to help create an attitude of gratitude, regardless of each individual’s starting point on the socio-economic spectrum. Simply being exposed to the circumstances of other people’s lives can convince many in our society how truly blessed Americans are.

Of course, such a service is not a new idea. However, as society slides deeper and deeper into partisanship, the timing of an idea that would bring together diverse groups of individuals, united in common causes, could be one of the few opportunities to alter the trajectory society’s long-term path toward the altruism necessary to create the “very important…permanence of (our) felicity as a people” for which Washington advocated.

Perhaps selfless service is the medicine we need.

Mike Biorn served 21 years as an officer in the United States Air Force, including multiple deployments, commanding in Iraq and serving at the Pentagon. The opinions expressed are his own.