Shame serves as an early warning system. When triggered, it compels us to change our ways. It represents a spectacular clash between right and wrong. This strong sentiment makes us see the malice of our acts and their lasting consequences to our reputations. Thus, a sense of shame benefits society. It is not limited to individual reflections but extends to how others reflect upon us. Many are persuaded to abandon wicked ways for fear of the shame it will bring upon them, their communities, and their families.
We used to have a sense of shame that influenced our behavior. Reflecting upon a vile word or deed might cause shame to rise up in us. Being admonished for wearing something revealing or improper could trigger a movement of shame. Betraying faith, family, or principles was once considered a shameful act to be avoided at all costs. We felt shame when failing to live up to high standards.
This sense of shame is now gone. People still do deceitful things, and, if anything, such acts are vastly more common today. Indeed, base acts no longer awaken in tepid hearts movements of shame and remorse.
The reason for this lamentable behavior is that we no longer hold ourselves up to high standards. In vain do we seek to restore shame if we do not address how these standards develop.
Lacking a Metaphysical Perspective
The sense of shame comes from a metaphysical perspective of the world. It holds that the only way to interpret reality meaningfully is to look beyond the material existence of things. In the classical and Christian traditions, people did this by searching for the ultimate principles and causes of things.
This meant that they tried to understand the nature of things, and from this perception, they derived principles and ways of dealing with the world around them. Thus, they developed those values of the soul found in art, philosophy, and religion. They valued the spiritual things over the material; the beautiful over the vulgar; the virtuous over the sinful.
This “metaphysical society” developed a rich body of philosophical ideas, laws, and principles. People applied these ideals to the culture and customs of their lands. This vision created high standards of behavior that all were expected to respect. It identified and deemed shameful the lower levels of conduct that were unacceptable, immoral, and base.
Shame as a Defense
Shame is a product of a society that prioritizes the soul over the body. It is a defense mechanism against all that is low, vulgar, and sinful.