Morality as the way out
It’s obvious that society as we have know it for the last few decades, even centuries, cannot continue as it has. We are fast coming to a point where we must decide which way we want to go. Political scandals, economic crisis, cultural degradation and environmental damage cannot continue. All of these issues are closely connected to our morality which should be the guiding force inside each one of us.
A sense of morality varies with each individual, depending upon where you are from, what religion you practice, your background, personnel experience, view of the world and so on. I strongly believe there are a few universal priorities for every person on this planet. We cannot survive without fresh air, clean water, healthy food and secure shelter. Whether you like it or not these are the most important things for people on this planet and should be the focus of every person in this world.
We can add community as well, because good functioning community can help achieve all about.
So, why isn’t it? Why is our focus elsewhere? Why we are focusing on careers, money and diplomas when we are destroying our air, water, soil, shelter and communities? Because we lack morality.
What is morality? It is a good thing and the lack of it is a bad thing. An individual should always strive to do good and avoid doing the opposite. Doesn’t everybody agree? Well, judging by people’s behavior, not necessarily. We must be careful not to confuse ‘ought’ and ‘is’. People do behave immorally. But they shouldn’t. Everybody knows that – at least in their heart of hearts.
It is human nature to elevate our own self-interest above all else – including morality. When morality and self-interest come into head-to-head conflict, morality usually looses out. Ideally that’s not how it should be, morality should always trump self-interest.
Everyday day our thoughts and actions are governed by our morality, good or bad. For example, a soldier is ordered to kill innocent people, should he disobey and be court marshalled or follow the order knowing it is morally wrong? Should a doctor push “vaccinations” which are still under clinical trials, have multiple side effects and are produced by a company which has no liability? Should he risk loosing his license or maiming a patient? Should a teacher continue to teach a curriculum which is not appropriate for kids or risk loosing their job? Bureaucrats create rules to limit people’s choices and freedom. Farmers are using deadly pesticides and poisoning the land and water. People invest in companies which make money by harming the environment or killing others. This happens because people are not moral, they want to keep their job or benefits from it.
The legal system we use today is not moral as it was created by the elite for their own benefit. Millions of laws, rules and restrictions limit individual freedom and create an uneven playing field. So what kind of regulations should govern society?
All humans are born equal, with complete freedom of choice and action. Common consent has created a few restrictions, over time. These restrictions are for personal protection and the protection of others. We can call them general moral principals:
Do not injure or kill anyone.
Do not steal or damage property owned by somebody else.
Do not damage or destroy air, water or soil.
Be honest in your dealings and do not swindle anyone.
If we start every action with these principles, change can happen very quickly and the world will be a better place to live for everyone. Is so easy, just do not blame others and start with the man in the mirror first. Let the change begin with us!
DB, CB
