| SpongeOsophy Essay THE RIGHT THING Staying Principled in an Unprincipled World |
In this world that has a “me first” attitude it is becoming increasingly difficult to “stick
to your guns.” When in the modern age the measure of a man became his wallet it
seems that most let their basic principles go straight out the window. In order to
have “more” many decided to “have less” in the principles department.
We could sit and debate the reasons for this, from moral relativism to consumerism.
Debating the cause would be irrelevant. The fact is, it has happened and principles
have become something considered quaint and out of fashion.
Finding a person who sticks to their principles these days is becoming harder and
harder to do. It seems that our role models, politicians and celebrities have all fallen
by the wayside to an extent, including yours truly, at times. The one person in the
spotlight that I personally know who consistently sticks to his principles is Warrior.
He turned his back on wrestling while he was still in his prime, on principle. He has
turned down large paychecks in the wrestling business on principle. He made a
promise to himself and his family and he has stuck to that, no matter the cost. For
all he did in the ring, it pales in comparison to the battles he has won with himself on
his principles. Warrior knows that many look to him as a hero and role model. He
takes this very seriously. This, combined simply with his principles of what is right
guides nearly his every public action. For this, he has my admiration, friendship,
and adulation.
What is “Right”?
There are many different philosophies to follow as to “the right thing to do.” I will
touch on some of them only briefly, as you, my readers, must find your own rock
upon which to build.
Existentialism-This is the philosophy that can be summed up by saying, “Do what
causes the most benefit for the most people.” While this philosophy has some good
points, I personally find that all too often we have to make snap decisions and do
not have the time to calculate the butterfly effect our actions might have. Also, I
believe that this worldview tends towards moral relativism. What one considers a
benefit to a majority still requires deciding the “rightness” of that benefit. For
instance, giving food to a great deal of the poor is both noble and considerate, yet it
ignores the fact that these people need to find a way to provide for themselves.
Machiavellian-This is the famous “ends justifying the means.” A good example of
this is exhibited in the Star Wars saga, specifically Episode 3. Darth Vader didn’t
care if he had to kill children and do other evils as long as he could save his wife
and bring “peace” to the galaxy.
Categorical Imperative-This is the philosophy espoused by followers of Immanuel
Kant. The main principle is, “Act in such a way that you would will your action to
become universal law.” When tax time comes around we all have the urge to fudge
the numbers a bit and cheat on our taxes. Before you do, however, ask yourself if
you would want everyone to cheat on their taxes. (Please don’t tell me everyone
does, that is a cop out). If everyone cheated on their taxes then we would have a
government unable to provide its necessary functions, like defense, etc.
Golden Rule-This is probably the most popular and yet abused principle exhibited
by Christians. The wonderful, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto
you” concept. While this philosophy, if followed by all, is perhaps the most noble, it
is the most ignored. How many of us have been waiting to pull into traffic only to be
ignored and passed by those with the “Jesus Fish” on their vehicles? So many
speak of “What would Jesus do?” yet they still put themselves first.
There are other examples, but I have chosen the ones that many of us face in the
world. My point here is that no matter what you use to be your foundation, if one
applies it only piecemeal, then one is nothing more than a hypocrite and egotist.
So many times in my life my principles have been under attack, both internally and
externally. After my first period of disability I wanted desperately to go back to
work. But I think I interviewed with about 50 places only to be shot down by all due
to my health. This happened in the days before the Americans with Disabilities Act,
when it was still legal to not hire someone due to their health. When I would go for
an interview I was always asked about why I had been out of work for over a year.
Of course, I told them about my health and near-death experience. Usually the
interview was over then and there. Members of my family told me to “lie” and not tell
potential employers about my health. I chose to stick to my guns. Believe me, the
temptation was there. We were in serious financial straits and had no visible way
out. Yes, it cost me. However, when I finally found work it was with a company that I
was proud to work for, HEB grocery.
I turned my back on the accounting profession after my first surgery. I saw so much
deceit and corruption in the business world it left a bad taste in my mouth that still
lingers, 15 years later. While the things I saw were usually legal, the fact is they
were deceptive and “wrong.” I miss the huge paychecks from those days. I don’t
miss the sleepless nights or unscrupulous people I did business with.
Even now I feel the assault on my principles. Especially now. Right now we are at a
point financially that we cannot afford our medicines. Truthfully, our very survival is
on the line here. It would be so easy to apply for programs and fudge the numbers
so that we could be fairly well off. We choose not to.
I try to live by the Golden Rule of Christiandom. However, I think what pushes me
more is my own “be your own friend” philosophy. I try to act in such a way that if I
knew someone who did the things I do I would be willing to call them my trusted
friend. I don’t associate with thieves. Therefore I choose not to be one. I don’t
associate with child abusers, therefore I choose not to be one.
Some stick to their principles out of fear of repercussion. “If I do this, God will hold it
against me,” seems to be the glue that holds many to their principles. I admire this,
but I must tell you that it is not what drives me. At the end of the day, I have to look
in the mirror. At the end of the day everything I have done will be a voice in my
head. The times I have stumbled from my chosen path I pay for it over and over
again. I lose sleep and develop a self-loathing that one associates with teen-agers.
For me it is, “If I do this, I will hold it against me.”
Sure, there are many out there who have no principles any more. We encounter
them every day. It is a battle which wages inside of us at all times and we will never
truly win. At the end of our lives the assault will finally be over, no more challenges
to our morals. That is the only time the battle is truly won-when you make it to the
finish line with your principles intact.
The next time you go to do something, ask yourself if you would be friends with
someone who did that. I mean a good trusted friend, someone you share your
deepest secrets with. Then be your own friend.
Be well,
Sponge
06/22/2005
to your guns.” When in the modern age the measure of a man became his wallet it
seems that most let their basic principles go straight out the window. In order to
have “more” many decided to “have less” in the principles department.
We could sit and debate the reasons for this, from moral relativism to consumerism.
Debating the cause would be irrelevant. The fact is, it has happened and principles
have become something considered quaint and out of fashion.
Finding a person who sticks to their principles these days is becoming harder and
harder to do. It seems that our role models, politicians and celebrities have all fallen
by the wayside to an extent, including yours truly, at times. The one person in the
spotlight that I personally know who consistently sticks to his principles is Warrior.
He turned his back on wrestling while he was still in his prime, on principle. He has
turned down large paychecks in the wrestling business on principle. He made a
promise to himself and his family and he has stuck to that, no matter the cost. For
all he did in the ring, it pales in comparison to the battles he has won with himself on
his principles. Warrior knows that many look to him as a hero and role model. He
takes this very seriously. This, combined simply with his principles of what is right
guides nearly his every public action. For this, he has my admiration, friendship,
and adulation.
What is “Right”?
There are many different philosophies to follow as to “the right thing to do.” I will
touch on some of them only briefly, as you, my readers, must find your own rock
upon which to build.
Existentialism-This is the philosophy that can be summed up by saying, “Do what
causes the most benefit for the most people.” While this philosophy has some good
points, I personally find that all too often we have to make snap decisions and do
not have the time to calculate the butterfly effect our actions might have. Also, I
believe that this worldview tends towards moral relativism. What one considers a
benefit to a majority still requires deciding the “rightness” of that benefit. For
instance, giving food to a great deal of the poor is both noble and considerate, yet it
ignores the fact that these people need to find a way to provide for themselves.
Machiavellian-This is the famous “ends justifying the means.” A good example of
this is exhibited in the Star Wars saga, specifically Episode 3. Darth Vader didn’t
care if he had to kill children and do other evils as long as he could save his wife
and bring “peace” to the galaxy.
Categorical Imperative-This is the philosophy espoused by followers of Immanuel
Kant. The main principle is, “Act in such a way that you would will your action to
become universal law.” When tax time comes around we all have the urge to fudge
the numbers a bit and cheat on our taxes. Before you do, however, ask yourself if
you would want everyone to cheat on their taxes. (Please don’t tell me everyone
does, that is a cop out). If everyone cheated on their taxes then we would have a
government unable to provide its necessary functions, like defense, etc.
Golden Rule-This is probably the most popular and yet abused principle exhibited
by Christians. The wonderful, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto
you” concept. While this philosophy, if followed by all, is perhaps the most noble, it
is the most ignored. How many of us have been waiting to pull into traffic only to be
ignored and passed by those with the “Jesus Fish” on their vehicles? So many
speak of “What would Jesus do?” yet they still put themselves first.
There are other examples, but I have chosen the ones that many of us face in the
world. My point here is that no matter what you use to be your foundation, if one
applies it only piecemeal, then one is nothing more than a hypocrite and egotist.
So many times in my life my principles have been under attack, both internally and
externally. After my first period of disability I wanted desperately to go back to
work. But I think I interviewed with about 50 places only to be shot down by all due
to my health. This happened in the days before the Americans with Disabilities Act,
when it was still legal to not hire someone due to their health. When I would go for
an interview I was always asked about why I had been out of work for over a year.
Of course, I told them about my health and near-death experience. Usually the
interview was over then and there. Members of my family told me to “lie” and not tell
potential employers about my health. I chose to stick to my guns. Believe me, the
temptation was there. We were in serious financial straits and had no visible way
out. Yes, it cost me. However, when I finally found work it was with a company that I
was proud to work for, HEB grocery.
I turned my back on the accounting profession after my first surgery. I saw so much
deceit and corruption in the business world it left a bad taste in my mouth that still
lingers, 15 years later. While the things I saw were usually legal, the fact is they
were deceptive and “wrong.” I miss the huge paychecks from those days. I don’t
miss the sleepless nights or unscrupulous people I did business with.
Even now I feel the assault on my principles. Especially now. Right now we are at a
point financially that we cannot afford our medicines. Truthfully, our very survival is
on the line here. It would be so easy to apply for programs and fudge the numbers
so that we could be fairly well off. We choose not to.
I try to live by the Golden Rule of Christiandom. However, I think what pushes me
more is my own “be your own friend” philosophy. I try to act in such a way that if I
knew someone who did the things I do I would be willing to call them my trusted
friend. I don’t associate with thieves. Therefore I choose not to be one. I don’t
associate with child abusers, therefore I choose not to be one.
Some stick to their principles out of fear of repercussion. “If I do this, God will hold it
against me,” seems to be the glue that holds many to their principles. I admire this,
but I must tell you that it is not what drives me. At the end of the day, I have to look
in the mirror. At the end of the day everything I have done will be a voice in my
head. The times I have stumbled from my chosen path I pay for it over and over
again. I lose sleep and develop a self-loathing that one associates with teen-agers.
For me it is, “If I do this, I will hold it against me.”
Sure, there are many out there who have no principles any more. We encounter
them every day. It is a battle which wages inside of us at all times and we will never
truly win. At the end of our lives the assault will finally be over, no more challenges
to our morals. That is the only time the battle is truly won-when you make it to the
finish line with your principles intact.
The next time you go to do something, ask yourself if you would be friends with
someone who did that. I mean a good trusted friend, someone you share your
deepest secrets with. Then be your own friend.
Be well,
Sponge
06/22/2005
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |