Let’s review a few rules many of us used to learn. Most of these are in the tradition of my parents and fellow Pennsylvanians. I’m concerned that the instant gratification and solipsism of our time might have already taken their toll on what was once considered common knowledge. I also worry about what might happen when the rich and powerful are considered above the law and openly disregard these rules. Great civilizations have cracked and fallen apart because too many people began to ask, “If they don’t have to follow the law, why should I”?
It seems to me lawlessness in high places can become contagious. In some ways, it already has. Just as malicious parents can instill cruelty in their children, an unscrupulous ruler (or political party) can encourage people to ignore the law and do whatever they can get away with. After all, most of what we call the law isn’t formally codified. Civil society is built on precepts like these, caught but not necessarily taught. It seems we must do more than merely consider the following if we want a good society in the future.
If something doesn’t belong to you, don’t touch it without permission.
If you borrow something, give it back.
If you move something, put it back.
If you open a door or window, close it.
If you unlock it, re-lock it. If you turn it on, turn it off.
If you break something, fix it. If you can’t fix it, report it.
If you make a mess, clean it up.
If you make a promise, keep it.
If you are angry, count to 10 before saying or doing something you might regret.
If you hurt someone, apologize and make amends.
If you give something to someone, they (not you) will decide what to do with it.
If you make a mistake, admit it and fix it.
If you don’t know the facts, respect those who do.
If you don’t have strong evidence, don’t make accusations.
If you can’t think of something good to say, don’t say anything.
If you don’t know what you’re talking about, don’t share your opinion.
If you don’t know how to use something, leave it alone.
If you don’t know, don’t pretend you do, admit it and ask questions.
If you hear a rumor, don’t repeat it, and don’t add to it.
If you can’t offer a solution, don’t whine about the problem.
Tell the truth.
Accept responsibility.
Play by the rules.
Don’t lie, cheat, or steal.
Be courteous. Say please and thank you.
You are not the center of the universe. Be considerate of other people.
Your beliefs and opinions are not all that matters.
There will aways be people who know more than you do.
The burden of proof rests on the person making the claim.
The bigger the claim, the more proof is required.
Choices and actions always have consequences.
Just because someone says something is true doesn’t make it so.
Power, wealth, and fame do not make a person right.
The greater the power a person holds, the greater their responsibility.
Doing good work often takes more time than you originally thought.
Going along with the crowd is easy. Doing the right thing is often hard.
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Of course, these rules may be stated in other ways. They were pretty much drilled into my head in one form or another, so I find them easy to recall. For someone of my age, this is “kids’ stuff.” Not that I have always followed every precept. Far from it! Yet, in a world of moral challenges and human frailty, kids’ stuff can still provide a lot of guidance.
MurrayWorks 