Sunday, February 19, 2012

I attended a lecture today about ethics.  The discussion only lasted an hour and a half, though could’ve gone much longer.  I liked the free-flowing manner of the lecture. 

There was a panel of four experts who were asked specific questions concerning their interpretations of ethics: what they are, how they translate, what each of our responsibilities is with them and in what manner they apply to everyday living and also in the corporate world.  Throughout the discussion, hands from audience members would shoot up, their owners eager to contribute.  Each time, what was added struck true notes and often helped expound on this often swept-under-the-carpet subject.

Many individual interpretations of ethics were brought up, but all seemed to have a common thread summed up best by one of the panelists who stated, “As long as a person continues to better him or herself and the lives of those around them, then that’s an ethical way to live.” 

I couldn’t agree more! 

We spoke openly about how many allow themselves to get sucked into drama, or worse…initiate it themselves.  All in attendance were of the same opinion, frankly, we just don’t have time in our lives for such nonsense. 

Along this subject, we discussed how a person’s primary objective should be to hold themselves to the highest standards possible, not concerned with what others think or if others will follow.  This topic was expounded to include thoughts on how, though something might be right for you, doesn’t mean you have the right or responsibility to attempt to force-feed those beliefs on another.  Instead, one should go about living their lives, maintaining their actions and intents at a higher level, one that keeps them constantly striving to better themselves.

We added that there might be others who will take notice of how we conduct ourselves and mimic our behaviors.  Good for them.  But that’s not the reason we should hold ourselves to a higher standard.  We should do so because frankly, it’s the right thing to do and can help not only ourselves but also those around us to achieve a better quality of life.