by Eric D. Brown

Created on: November 18, 2010

Ethics are not just a “fad” or “style” but they are ingrained in to our very soul, compelling us continually to “do the right thing”.  Are there exceptions, yes, but these are the few anomalies, and certainly not the norm for us.

Good ethics are what compel us to behave in a kind way and do no harm. 

For example, the next time you are on your way home from work, and you have to stop by the grocery store to pick up some food for dinner, just walk out with it, never even bothering to try to pay.

Or, consider the next time you are driving down the road, and you see one of those annoying bicycle riders in the same lane as you, hit the bike rider!  Run him or her over! 

“No, never!” you protest. 

But why not, wouldn’t it be fun?  They shouldn’t be riding their bikes on the road with us automobile drivers anyways.  Besides they’re probably one of those health nuts that annoy you when you are trying to enjoy your fast food burger.

Seriously, I hope my point has been illustrated well enough. 

Obviously stealing food or hitting a cyclist are the “wrong, unethical” things to do.  Not even mentioning all of the legal aspects and punishments associated with actually stealing food, or killing a cyclist, but in your heart and soul you know you just cannot do these unethical acts. 

Now, to take a look at greed, which you protest is an ingrained compulsion as well. 

I’m sorry to inform you, but greed, though strong, certainly is not as compelling as our ingrained good ethical behavior.

Here’s why I can say this, why would a person from a third-world nation, who is impoverished, starving and is the parent of an infant child ever allows that child to take their food? 

I have personally witnessed this act of motherly love and non-greed myself.  I saw a mother who desperately needed food to nourish her own body, give the food which was given to her; she gave it first to her child and let her infant eat.

If greed were stronger than good ethics, that mother would starve the child, taking the food for herself first, then later she would have given the remaining food to the infant.

Are there instances of exceptions to both of my examples above, yes, however the rare instances that may make the evening news cast, are not the norm for our human race.  A person’s good ethical behavior will always triumph over their instinct for greed.

We as a people, without even considering the influences of our belief systems and religions are instinctively good, honest and hard working individuals who have an open-mindedness to help our fellow humans!

Learn more about this author, Eric D. Brown.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.