better angels
Our higher selves
Better angels refers to the nobler aspects of human nature—compassion, generosity, moral courage.
The phrase comes from Lincoln's first inaugural address, where he appealed to "the better angels of our nature" hoping to prevent civil war.
It now appears whenever someone invokes humanity's capacity for goodness over baser impulses: We must appeal to our better angels in times of crisis.
Unspoken mental dialogue
- moral compassInner ethical guidance system
- scruplesMoral reservations about acting
- compunctionUneasiness from guilt
- remorseGuilt for wrongdoing
guilt · introspection · self-examination · conscientiousness · discernment · judgment · accountability · responsibility
Concern for others' distress
- empathySharing another's emotions
- kindnessConsiderate, caring disposition
- generosityReadiness to give freely
- altruismPrioritizing others' wellbeing
benevolence · mercy · forgiveness · patience · tolerance · grace · decency · nobility
Standards of perfection
- hopeDesire for good outcomes
- redemptionRecovery or moral restoration
- transcendenceSurpassing usual limits
- upliftRaise emotionally or physically
elevation · enlightenment · self-improvement · rising above · transformation · renewal · reconciliation
Joining into one
- Civil WarCountrymen fighting countrymen
- inaugural addressLeader's first formal oration
- appealFormal review request
- reconciliationRestoration of friendly relations
national healing · divided nation · eloquence · American spirit · unity · patriotism · statesmanship
inner voice
Unspoken mental dialogue
- moral compassInner ethical guidance system
- scruplesMoral reservations about acting
- compunctionUneasiness from guilt
remorse · guilt · introspection · self-examination · conscientiousness · discernment · judgment · accountability · responsibility · duty
compassion
Concern for others' distress
- empathySharing another's emotions
- kindnessConsiderate, caring disposition
- generosityReadiness to give freely
altruism · benevolence · mercy · forgiveness · patience · tolerance · grace · decency · nobility · humanity
ideals
Standards of perfection
- hopeDesire for good outcomes
- redemptionRecovery or moral restoration
- transcendenceSurpassing usual limits
uplift · elevation · enlightenment · self-improvement · rising above · transformation · renewal · reconciliation
union
Joining into one
- Civil WarCountrymen fighting countrymen
- inaugural addressLeader's first formal oration
- appealFormal review request
reconciliation · national healing · divided nation · eloquence · American spirit · unity · patriotism · statesmanship
better angelsbase instincts
inner demons · cruel streak · shadow self · animal instincts · id
better angelsinner demons
evil spirits · fallen angels · demons · tempters · dark side