Living With Principles ~ A Moral Compass

A Moral Compass is an invisible tool that guides us along the journey of life. It has a "true north" that is found in our conscience. Values, principals and ethics are it's magnetic center. Human beings have lived for thousands of years while developing the sense of morality that allows us to live in peace, prosperity and harmony. It is made up of truth, compassion, cooperation, love and respect. These traditional values are the moral core of our society.

Outcomes and bottom lines have become the driving indicators in our fast paced world. These are based upon economic theory which results in efficiency in competitive markets. This theory has no place outside of the marketplace. The fact is, despite our emphasis on results, that acting according to our principles provides the most satisfying guidelines for living. When we do the right thing, instead of that which will provide the most benefits, we find that we will be defined as people of high moral fiber. We rise above the ordinary.

Nothing, absolutely nothing, is worth compromising our principles. Our self worth is tied up in them. When we take a path away from them we find ourselves feeling guilty and incomplete. It becomes easier and easier to choose outcomes over values. The meaning of our activities is then defined only by financial success. We can do almost anything in the name of the bottom line.

There can be pains in the process of living a principled life. It is not the easy way. It is the satisfying way. Don’t sell out. I have never seen a U-Haul behind a hearse. But I have seen entire city blocks congested by cars following the funeral of a noble man or woman. Our moral core is economic only to the extent that it benefits the greater good. It is our moral compass that will lead us to real success in life. All that we must do is to find our true north.