Values & Things I Think about
There are some topics that are eternal such as Does Religion Matter any More , what is G-d, what is the meaning of life etc.
There are a few things in life that I just believe in. One of those is G-d. I believe in a higher power. I don’t need a burning bush or time on a mountain top to make me believe that there is something more powerful out there.
But I don’t need that belief to make me act ethically and morally. I don’t need the threat of punishment to make me do the right thing. Actually those of you who know me understand that telling me to do something is the fastest way to make me do the opposite, I have been known to cut my nose to spite my face.
It makes perfect sense to me to do the best I can to be moral and ethical in my life because it improves the world around me. When I am good it makes the world a nicer place. Generally when you smile at people they smile back at you. When you treat people well they treat you well.
It doesn’t translate this way 100% of the time. Some people will screw you every which way they can. Some people are going to take advantage of any situation. I recognize that and understand it.
The way I see things it doesn’t really matter if there is an afterlife because I don’t know any more than the next person if it exists. I suspect that it might and hope that it does, but in the end I live in the here and now and that makes somethings very clear.
One of those is that there is nothing lost by being good and much to be gained. If I die and that is the end of the story than what has happened? Nothing bad that I can see.
The most important task in my life is to make my children into good people of character and integrity and to teach them to make a difference in the world. Everything else is secondary to this.
Comments, questions, thoughts?
Jack's Shack October 26, 2005 at 2:10 pm
AM,
Sounds reasonable to me.
angela marie October 26, 2005 at 1:20 pm
I believe there is a Heaven, but like most ‘thinking’ human beings, of course I question it. That being said, I could probably live my life not caring if there was an afterlife if the only people who died in my life were >80 years old.
For me, I NEED to feel like there is a reason people die an early death and I NEED to feel like they are ok, so that I can be happy.
Does that make sense?
And if I am wrong…well, I won’t know until the end of my life and that’s ok.
Jack's Shack October 26, 2005 at 4:10 am
Hi Chosha,
I hear you, but I think that it is an exaggeration to suggest that businesses ignore doing the right thing.
But on the whole I sadly agree with this:
There are plenty of people out there who think that making sure you win, even if others have to lose to achieve it, is the right way to live.
The trick is to and encourage as many people as possible to play fairly.
chosha October 26, 2005 at 12:36 am
Actually there’s a lot to be lost by being nice and moral – just ask anyone with shareholders to answer to. There are plenty of people out there who think that making sure you win, even if others have to lose to achieve it, is the right way to live.
I’m glad you don’t think so. We need more people who want to make the world a better place.
Jack's Shack October 25, 2005 at 9:58 pm
I am a character, but don’t know if I’d say I am a moral character. 😉
Neil October 25, 2005 at 9:48 pm
I’m sure that your kids will easily learn this, considering your own moral character.