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George's Musings

Morality

Disclaimer: These discussions on morality do not necessarily reflect my own performance. They reflect my aspirations and those that I believe are generally desirable. I don't believe there is anything here that most people don't already believe, although they may not feel as intensely about some things as I do.

Cheating

Nice guys may sometimes finish last in a competition, but they remain people whom we should aspire to be. Those who cheat and those who are amused by cheating hurt us all and rob the cheaters of any true pride in winning.

Some news commentators recently expressed amusement at the Minnesota vote-counting cheating that appears most likely. Vote-counting cheating is despicable. Anyone doing such should be considered an abomination in our representative republic. There is nothing amusing about it. Such cheaters should be hunted down and severely punished. There is hardly anything so antithetical to American principles.

Lying

Lying is verbal cheating. When people tell an untruth knowingly, they too can severely hurt us all with those who may proceed on the basis of such lies.

Some politicians have expressed amusement with the ability of some to lie and so mislead. Some people laughingly say: "So I lied." This is not amusing. Lying about anything of consequence is totally reprehensible.

Moral Position

Some say that morals are merely customs. But there are basic moral principles that even unschooled children understand. They represent what is just to all parties. Disobeying these principles can hurt us all.

These basic moral principles arise from the golden rule -- to do unto others as you would have others do unto you. Obeying this rule results in a society that all find most pleasant, including the non-religious among us.

In my judgment, whatever else people may believe is immaterial as long as they believe in the golden rule. There may be religious teachings that everyone does not believe or wish to adhere to, but as long as the teachings or adherence are not forced upon or harm the rest of us, there is no reason that they should be of concern to the rest of us.

Boy Scouts

Some who feign sophistication among us make light of boy scouts. But the "Boy Scout Law" represents an excellent set of principles -- as excerpted from page 47-54, Boy Scout Handbook, 11th Edition, (#33105), copyright 1998 by BSA, ISBN 0-8395-3105-2:

A Scout is Trustworthy.

A Scout tells the truth. He is honest, and he keeps his promises. People can depend on him.

A Scout is Loyal.

A Scout is true to his family, friends, Scout leaders, school, and nation.

A Scout is Helpful.

A Scout cares about other people. He willingly volunteers to help others without expecting payment or reward.

A Scout is Friendly.

A Scout is a friend to all. He is a brother to other Scouts. He offers his friendship to people of all races and nations, and respects them even if their beliefs and customs are different from his own.

A Scout is Courteous.

A Scout is polite to everyone regardless of age or position. He knows that using good manners makes it easier for people to get along.

A Scout is Kind.

A Scout knows there is strength in being gentle. He treats others as he wants to be treated. Without good reason, he does not harm or kill any living thing.

A Scout is Obedient.

A Scout follows the rules of his family, school, and troop. He obeys the laws of his community and country. If he thinks these rules and laws are unfair, he tries to have them changed in an orderly manner rather than disobeying them.

A Scout is Cheerful.

A Scout looks for the bright side of life. He cheerfully does tasks that come his way. He tries to make others happy.

A Scout is Thrifty.

A Scout works to pay his own way and to help others. He saves for the future. He protects and conserves natural resources. He carefully uses time and property.

A Scout is Brave.

A Scout can face danger although he is afraid. He has the courage to stand for what he thinks is right even if others laugh at him or threaten him.

A Scout is Clean.

A Scout keeps his body and mind fit and clean. He chooses the company of those who live by high standards. He helps keep his home and community clean.

A Scout is Reverent.

A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others.

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The world would be a great place if everyone were to abide by these principles -- perhaps substituting the word "mensch" (one having admirable characteristics such as integrity and compassion), for "scout," "he or she" for "he" and to be reverent to principles of justice if a non-believer.

Heroism

You might consider clicking the following link on the heroism of the risk of going beyond simply being a bystander who does no harm: The Banality of HEROISM Circumstances can force almost anyone to be a bystander to evil, but they can also bring out our own inner hero. Zeno Franco and Philip Zimbardo show how we’re all capable of everyday heroism.