Move Thoughtfully, and Lift Up People: An Ignatian Ethic of Disruption

In the last decade, Silicon Valley and its leading innovators were touted as creating a more enlightened and connected world through an approach to technological and business disruption summarized by the motto, “move fast and break things”. Just years later, serious ethical concerns and public backlash have emerged about the potential harm that has accompanied this culture. An Ignatian ethic of disruption, grounded in St. Ignatius of Loyola’s understanding of discernment, can provide a framework for technological and business advances that better promote the common good and avoid unconsidered harms. Applied to Jesuit business education, a new mantra of “move thoughtfully, and lift up people” offers an ethical roadmap for a healthier disruption culture.