What follows are some wise quotes relevant to Ethics - to optimal living - as well as some declarative prose that will very likely appear in my next essay:
"I think that only a small percentage of people subscribe to the violent discourse. We are human beings, and there is no basis or justification for killing others. If you consider others as brothers and sisters and respect their rights, then there is no room for violence.
Furthermore, the problems that we are facing today are the result of superficial differences over religious faiths and nationalities. We are one people.
People want to lead peaceful lives. The terrorists are short-sighted, and this is one of the causes of rampant suicide bombings. We cannot solve this problem only through prayers. God would say, solve it yourself because you humans created it in the first place.
Our troubles will increase if we don't put moral principles over money. Morality is important for everyone ... including politicians.
Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." ------- Dalai Lama.
For more moral principles, see: pp. 26-27 of
http://www.myqol.com/wadeharvey/PDFs/ET ... ENTURY.pdf
Here are some more wise quotes:
“How can you avoid looking back at the end of your life with too many regrets?”
“Being ‘good’, or living well, is all about balance. Balance between reason and emotion, and between your needs and those of others, and between pragmatism and ‘the perfect solution’.”
“‘Right’ is not used here to describe a pre-determined course of action, but the one that is correct for you, in that it is consistent with both moral principles and your own personal values.”
For thousands of years these properties of a self-image [a Self] that is highly moral were accepted as those which make us fully human, and not just a wild animal:
Courage, and not cowardice or impulsiveness and extreme risk-taking;
Self-control, instead of self-indulgence or selfishness;
Generosity, and not wasted resources or opportunities;
Friendliness and politeness, not rudeness, flattery, or other unpleasantness towards others;
Tact and discretion;
Truthfulness and integrity;
Good temper, even in the face of provocation;
and
Fairness. [Fair-dealing with others, rather than cheating. The Justice principle includes this.]
These qualities or traits are among those Aristotle spoke of as the ‘virtues.’
“If the properties of a moral self-image generally are a guide or map for how to live. ‘(moral) goodness’ is the compass that enables us to read the map the right way up, and work out which way to go.”
Either science works, or it does not – and this truth applies to Ethics as science. The findings and principles derived by a science of Ethics will be pragmatic in the sense that they will enhance human life on Earth. If when it is applied it fails to do this then it was a mistake to give it much credence or consideration. So let’s not let Ethics waste our time if it doesn’t work when tried. First, understand it; then give it a real try – and see what happens.
Let’s devote ourselves to living well, that is, to the ethical life: to continuous self-improvement, towards striving for excellence, towards developing the properties of a Self that is highly moral. Let’s maximize value and work to avoid disvalue; this will be living optimally; this will be getting us closer to a Quality Life for one and all.
Moral laws are not imposed. This they have in common with natural law. People can attempt to violate them, but there is a price to be paid. In the case of disregarding the logical existential hierarchy of Value (which is explained early on in this science) the price is a more-chaotic society, needing more-expensive repairs than is necessary. If one personally (because his or her conscience is asleep) does not experience the stress and aggravation, one's children, or those that one may care about, will experience the avoidable strife and tension, the dysfunctional world.
You will want to see the vital and relevant links on how to live well and how to flourish by other writers on this topic that are offered below, several posts later !!!
Comments? Questions? Impressions?
For all those who would like some discussion material to use with your family, friends, fellow-students, and neighbors (even with precocious kids) here is an important announcement:
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