This is a very nice essay, very nice analysis. I was just working on a bit of an analysis in philosophy related to this and I suspect that Aristotle could have come up with your summary of the Durant’s works. One of the things I was looking for while reviewing philosophy was messages that would foster self-awareness or even Maslow’s self-actualization. I found a couple things including the balance of Ma’at and Aristotle. The other was Stoic practices of planning in the morning, review in the evening and journalling.

The problem with saints is that many of them actually were scriptural heroes instead of moral heroes. We need more moral heroes to have as examples like Jesus and Lincoln. A lot of the saints, though faithful weren't so great to emulate.

My whole study is based around that humans are undergoing huge changes in genetic and behavioral strategies as we transition to a new ecology we have been developing since we created the farms and cities of civilization. We certainly need great self-awareness to adapt to the rapid changes occurring now but how about in the future when change will slow down again? It’s OK though because there is a change that no one seems to be noticing that relates to our genes. Really, you are very aware of so many changes humanity is dealing with. Do you think human genetics isn’t just one more case? It changes a lot of things including what you have written about. If you want to see my take on it, you could glance at Genetics For A New Human Ecology — https://www.amazon.com/dp/1544900996