Beyond the Best Version of Yourself: Lambda Chi Alpha's Vision for True Greatness
A Fraternity Model
The phrase “be the best version of yourself” is often touted as a motivational mantra, but let’s be honest—it’s lame. Hear me out. While it may sound inspiring on the surface, it’s “weak sauce” masquerading as wisdom. Here’s the problem: it provides no clear direction or substance. It leaves individuals to define their own “best” based on personal whims or societal trends, which are often vague, incomplete, or even misguided.
The phrase fails to answer critical questions: What does “best” actually mean? What does a virtuous life look like? Without defining these terms, it leaves men wandering without a roadmap, unclear about how to become great. And let’s be clear: being a great man isn’t about pursuing a subjective “best version” of oneself. It’s about striving for virtue—higher values and timeless principles that transcend self-focused goals.
In a series of posts, I’ll use Lambda Chi Alpha’s mission as an example to show why fraternities offer something exponentially better than the shallow call to be “the best version of yourself.” They provide a framework for men to grow in virtue, purpose, and character—qualities that define true greatness. The “best version” of yourself begins with virtue, not with yourself. The concept of “best” lies outside the self and provides a telos—an ideal person these men aspire to become. If fraternities embrace their own values to shape character, they can redefine what it means to be a man in America.
The Importance of Virtue: Aristotle’s Definition and Its Relevance Today
Virtue, as defined by Aristotle, is central to building moral character and living a fulfilling life. Unlike action-focused ethics, Aristotelian Virtue Ethics emphasizes who we are rather than what we do. It seeks to answer the question, “How should I be?” rather than focusing solely on specific moral actions. Aristotle believed that cultivating virtuous character traits ensures that good actions follow naturally.
Aristotle defined virtues as psychological dispositions or character traits that guide appropriate responses to situations and emotions. These responses align with the Golden Mean, a balanced approach between extremes of deficiency and excess. For example:
Anger should be met with patience (neither lack of spirit nor excessive irascibility).
Fear should give rise to courage (avoiding cowardice or rashness).
Virtues are not fleeting actions or feelings but ingrained qualities of character developed over time. Acting virtuously does not always mean taking a "middle-ground" action but rather finding balance in context. For example, courage might require extreme action in one situation and restraint in another, depending on the circumstances.
Moreover, Aristotle emphasized that virtues apply to social situations, such as being friendly rather than cantankerous or self-serving, or being generous rather than stingy or wasteful. These qualities are judged holistically across a person's character and life, not based on isolated acts.
Ultimately, Aristotle's vision of virtue is about aligning our actions with reason and fulfilling our human potential. By cultivating these balanced dispositions, we not only contribute to personal growth but also create a more harmonious society. Virtue, then, is the cornerstone of both individual flourishing and communal well-being.
Fraternities Provide A Roadmap
I recently visited the Alpha-Alpha Zeta chapter of Lambda Chi Alpha at Butler University and I’ve witnessed firsthand the remarkable transformation that occurs when fraternities embrace this approach. It’s an extraordinary group of men striving to become the kind of leaders their campus and American society truly need.
Fraternities offer something unique. It’s not simply the best version of yourself but the best version of being a man. Using Lambda Chi Alpha’s vision and mission, I’d like to demonstrate why fraternities need to use their values and principles to inspire men to personal excellence in chapters. Fraternities can do better than non-specific phrases. The Lambda Chi Alpha seeks to provide a clear, actionable vision of what it means to be the best version of a man—a man of honor, integrity, and service, committed to the well-being of his brothers, his community, and himself.
Lambda Chi Alpha exemplifies the pursuit of greatness by grounding its mission in Aristotle’s definition of virtue rather than the self-centered focus of “being the best version of yourself.” Instead of encouraging men to chase an ambiguous and potentially narcissistic ideal, Lambda Chi Alpha calls men to develop character traits rooted in timeless virtues such as loyalty, respect, honor, and integrity. These align with Aristotle’s Golden Mean, encouraging men to find balance in their responses to emotions and situations—courage rather than cowardice or recklessness, generosity rather than stinginess or extravagance. By fostering ethical growth, service, and leadership, Lambda Chi Alpha provides a clear and actionable framework for men to lead virtuous lives, contributing to personal fulfillment and a more harmonious society. This approach shifts the focus from self-improvement as an end to virtuous living as a means of bettering oneself andothers.
Lambda Chi Alpha’s core values—Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Service & Stewardship, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage—offer a roadmap for men striving for this ideal. These values transform abstract aspirations into a tangible framework for growth, equipping college men to love their brothers well and contribute meaningfully to their campuses, especially in ways that uplift all students, including women. This essay explores how Lambda Chi’s vision goes far beyond the self-centered notion of “the best version of yourself,” directing men toward a life of purpose, community, and impact.
Loyalty: Committing to Brotherhood and Community
Loyalty within Lambda Chi Alpha is about more than allegiance; it is about standing firm in your commitments, even when challenges arise. For college men, this might mean being the brother who steps up when others are struggling—providing emotional support, offering accountability, or standing by friends during difficult times. Loyalty also extends beyond the fraternity, requiring members to challenge the status quo and advocate for positive change on campus.
For example, a loyal Lambda Chi member might take the lead in fostering a culture of respect within the fraternity, ensuring women feel safe and valued at events. This could involve collaborating with campus organizations to promote bystander intervention training or advocating for policies that enhance campus safety for all students.
Duty: Living Beyond Yourself
Duty compels members to fulfill their obligations and exceed expectations, especially when it comes to ethical behavior. It challenges fraternity brothers to use their talents not just for personal gain but for the betterment of their community. College men living out the value of duty might volunteer to tutor struggling students, organize charity events, or take leadership roles in student government to advocate for policies that benefit all students.
By taking ownership of their actions and demonstrating leadership, Lambda Chi members embody duty through service. For instance, hosting campus-wide initiatives like mental health awareness events or fundraisers for local charities demonstrates a commitment to others that inspires admiration and trust.
Respect: Building a Culture of Inclusion
Respect is the cornerstone of Lambda Chi Alpha’s mission, emphasizing the inherent dignity of every individual. College men embody this value by treating others—inside and outside the fraternity—with compassion and understanding. This means rejecting hazing, ensuring inclusivity in fraternity activities, and actively working to prevent discrimination or harassment on campus.
Respect might look like a Lambda Chi brother stepping in to de-escalate a situation at a party or mentoring a younger student who feels out of place. It also involves acknowledging and valuing the contributions of women and non-Greek students, creating a campus environment where everyone feels welcome and respected.
Service & Stewardship: Investing in Others
Service and stewardship push members to think beyond themselves, encouraging them to volunteer their time and talents for the greater good. For Lambda Chi Alpha, this means holding themselves accountable as stewards of their fraternity, campus, and community.
A college man living this value might lead a community cleanup effort, organize a food drive, or volunteer with a local nonprofit. Stewardship also extends to relationships, as members are called to mentor younger brothers, help them navigate college life, and prepare them to carry on the fraternity’s legacy of service and leadership.
Honor: Choosing Right Over Easy
Honor demands adherence to a moral code and compels men to live with integrity. For Lambda Chi members, this means aligning their actions with their values, even when no one is watching. In college, honor might mean speaking out against harmful behaviors in the fraternity or refusing to participate in activities that demean others.
Living with honor also means advocating for fairness and justice on campus, such as supporting survivors of sexual violence or calling for reforms that promote equity. Honor is not just about avoiding wrongdoing; it is about proactively doing what is right, even at personal cost.
Integrity: Standing Whole and Unbroken
Integrity ties together all of Lambda Chi’s values, emphasizing consistency in character and actions. For a fraternity member, this might mean upholding the fraternity’s standards even when it is inconvenient or unpopular. Whether it is owning up to a mistake or standing firm in the face of peer pressure, integrity ensures that Lambda Chi members are trustworthy and principled.
A college man demonstrating integrity might refuse to turn a blind eye to unethical behavior in his fraternity, even if it means risking friendships. His courage to act in accordance with his values sets a powerful example for others.
Personal Courage: Facing Fear with Purpose
Personal courage is about stepping up despite fear, whether that means confronting difficult truths, embracing new ideas, or standing against adversity. For Lambda Chi members, this might involve speaking out against hazing, addressing mental health stigma, or starting difficult conversations about inclusion and respect within the fraternity.
Courage also means taking risks for the sake of others, such as leading an initiative to address sexual harassment or organizing events that bring together diverse groups on campus. In these moments, Lambda Chi members exemplify bravery that inspires others to follow suit.
The Best Version of Manhood: A Life of Purpose and Impact
Lambda Chi Alpha’s mission is to inspire and equip men to live ethical lives of growth, service, and leadership. This vision goes far beyond the vague notion of “being the best version of yourself.” It directs men toward a defined ideal of manhood—one rooted in loyalty, duty, respect, service, honor, integrity, and courage. For college men, this means loving their fraternity brothers well, being role models of respect and inclusion, and making their campuses better places for all students.
Through their actions, Lambda Chi brothers show what it means to be men of character and conviction. Whether they are mentoring younger students, championing equity, or leading service initiatives, they embody a vision of manhood that challenges the status quo and leaves a lasting legacy on their campuses and beyond.
Here’s an example of what this looks like in terms of a “Lambda Chi Way” to treat women.
The “Lambda Chi Alpha Way”: Treating Women with Virtue and Dignity
Rooted in Aristotle’s definition of virtue and the fraternity’s core values—Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Service & Stewardship, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage—Lambda Chi Alpha offers a profound framework for how its members should interact with women. This approach emphasizes character formation and the cultivation of virtuous dispositions rather than mere avoidance of harm. It challenges fraternity brothers to embody principles that reflect moral excellence, foster respect, and contribute to the flourishing of all individuals on campus.
Loyalty: A Foundation for Respectful Relationships
Aristotle teaches that loyalty is a virtuous disposition that balances apathy and blind allegiance. For Lambda Chi Alpha members, this means committing to the dignity of women by fostering trust and respect in every interaction. Loyalty demands action—standing against disrespectful behavior and ensuring that fraternity events remain safe, supportive, and inclusive spaces.
Principle: Demonstrate loyalty by actively advocating for women’s safety and dignity. This includes challenging harmful behaviors within your fraternity and promoting a culture of mutual respect.
Duty: Living Beyond Self-Interest
Duty, in Aristotle’s terms, is the embodiment of responsibility toward others. For Lambda Chi members, this involves rejecting passivity in the face of disrespect and taking initiative to create a welcoming and safe environment for women. Duty is a call to act ethically, not out of obligation alone, but because it is the virtuous thing to do.
Principle: Fulfill your duty by leading responsibly. This could mean organizing well-managed social events, addressing misconduct, or championing initiatives that uplift women on campus.
Respect: Valuing Human Dignity
Aristotle’s virtue of respect involves recognizing the inherent worth of others and treating them accordingly. For Lambda Chi brothers, this means fostering a fraternity culture that honors the individuality and contributions of women. Respect requires active listening, equality, and kindness in relationships and interactions.
Principle: Practice respect by creating spaces where women feel valued and included. Reject language or actions that demean others and actively promote inclusivity at fraternity events and on campus.
Service & Stewardship: Investing in the Common Good
Service and stewardship reflect a commitment to the well-being of others, aligning with Aristotle’s emphasis on the virtuous life as one of contribution. For Lambda Chi brothers, this means using resources and leadership positions to support women and build a safer, more equitable campus community.
Principle: Be a steward of positive change by leading initiatives that prioritize women’s safety and success. This could include consent education, mental health advocacy, or partnerships with organizations that promote gender equity.
Honor: Choosing Right Over Easy
Aristotle defines honor as a steadfast commitment to moral excellence. Lambda Chi brothers embody honor by aligning their actions with their values, even when it is inconvenient or challenging. Acting with honor means rejecting behaviors that demean women and standing up for fairness and justice.
Principle: Honor women by treating them with fairness and dignity. Advocate for justice on campus, support survivors of harm, and act with integrity even when no one is watching.
Integrity: Aligning Character with Actions
Integrity is the core of Aristotle’s philosophy, uniting all virtues. For Lambda Chi Alpha members, this means consistently living in accordance with their values and upholding the fraternity’s standards. Integrity involves accountability, honesty, and a commitment to doing what is right in all circumstances.
Principle: Demonstrate integrity by ensuring that your words and actions align with your values. Own up to mistakes and consistently treat women with respect and fairness in all interactions.
Personal Courage: Standing Up for What Matters
Courage, according to Aristotle, is the balance between cowardice and recklessness. For Lambda Chi brothers, personal courage is essential for addressing harmful behaviors, advocating for inclusion, and championing respect. Courage enables members to confront uncomfortable truths and take bold steps toward positive change.
Principle: Show courage by standing up against disrespect, even when it is difficult. Lead by example, demonstrating bravery in addressing systemic issues and fostering a culture of dignity and safety for all.
With these principles in mind, fraternities should use the language of their values to demonstrate why they are a place where the women on their campuses will be treated with the dignity and honor they deserve. Four years of practicing of these principles will form how they treat women in after college as well.
A Vision for Virtuous Relationships
Lambda Chi Alpha redefines how men should treat women on college campuses by rooting their interactions in virtue and dignity. Inspired by Aristotle’s vision of the virtuous life, the fraternity’s values call members to rise above societal norms and live as men of character. By cultivating loyalty, duty, respect, service, honor, integrity, and courage, Lambda Chi brothers create a culture that uplifts women and fosters meaningful, respectful relationships.
These principles guide fraternity members toward a higher ideal of manhood—one that aligns with virtue, promotes inclusion, and leaves a legacy of honor and integrity on their campuses and beyond.
Conclusion: The Path to True Greatness
The call to “be the best version of yourself” may sound appealing, but it pales in comparison to the profound vision offered by a virtue-centered life. Lambda Chi Alpha demonstrates how embracing timeless values such as loyalty, duty, respect, honor, integrity, and courage can guide men toward genuine greatness—not as a self-centered pursuit, but as a life of purpose, service, and positive impact. By rooting manhood in Aristotle’s definition of virtue, Lambda Chi provides a roadmap for men to rise above vague ideals and live as men of character, committed to the well-being of their brothers, their communities, and themselves.
This approach challenges men to reject the undefined pursuit of personal perfection and instead strive for virtues that build a better world. In doing so, Lambda Chi Alpha exemplifies how true greatness is achieved—not through chasing the elusive “best version” of oneself, but by cultivating character and living for others.
This is what it means to be a true heroic fraternity.