New York Times op-ed columnist David Brooks spoke at the Council of Independent Colleges annual meeting in early January 2015. He cited the 1965 book by Joseph Soloveitchik, Lonely Man of Faith, which speaks about the two Adams, representing two different worldviews.
- Adam One wants to be famous, rich, and win it all for himself and aggressively pursues that goal.
- Adam Two seeks internal satisfaction and stability for himself and humbly offers healing and service to others .
Brooks noted that the two Adams reflect the two sides to human nature. Our culture generally pursues and celebrates Adam One while dismissing Adam Two.
Yet within the Adam One culture there are alternative communities that champion Adam Two. Christian higher education is one of those places. Faith-based higher education trains people to do well in career, but also to find a satisfaction in life. Such institutions aim to prepare graduates for the work place, but also to make the world a better place through service.
The tension between Adam One and Adam Two never goes away. Christian higher education is one place that prizes Adam Two.