A return to first principles in a republic is sometimes caused by the simple virtues of one man.
His good example has such an influence that the good men strive to imitate him,
and the wicked are ashamed to lead a life so contrary to his example.
Niccolo Machiavelli
When I was a teenager, I remember hearing my grandparents and parents talking about the "good 'ol days" and at the time it seemed unimportant and almost embarrassing! As an adult, I have to ask myself, "What were they really talking about?"
Did they see that our society was changing for the worse in the areas of integrity and compassion for one another? Did they see some of us, in the United States, in particular, were living a life of conspicuous consumption at some level that would be harmful to our way of life? Or, were they in fact, just wishing for a return of the chance to enjoy visits on the front porch of the closest neighbor? Could they have been remembering the days when families got together more often so they didn't find themselves with a "mini family reunion" at each family wedding and funeral?
Irregardless of their meaning, it's my belief that all of the above questions are good reasons to long for a return to the principles our nation was founded on, personally, professionally and politically!
It seems to be a "short trip" down the proverbial slippery slope for each of us to rude instead of strong in our convictions...to be arrogant instead of proud of our heritage and our morals...or to be a bully instead of being bold, yet considerate of our fellow man.
Spend a few moments right now and think about your commitment to integrity, compassion and ethics. Are you where you want to be in those three areas of your life?
If you are, keep it up and find someone to help! You will be the example of the good and virtuous person who causes others to be ashamed of their unkind words or unethical practices!
If you aren't where you want to be in those areas of life, set some goals and make a new commitment to be the kind of good person my dear old Granny would admire!
Blessings,
Sharon
Did they see that our society was changing for the worse in the areas of integrity and compassion for one another? Did they see some of us, in the United States, in particular, were living a life of conspicuous consumption at some level that would be harmful to our way of life? Or, were they in fact, just wishing for a return of the chance to enjoy visits on the front porch of the closest neighbor? Could they have been remembering the days when families got together more often so they didn't find themselves with a "mini family reunion" at each family wedding and funeral?
Irregardless of their meaning, it's my belief that all of the above questions are good reasons to long for a return to the principles our nation was founded on, personally, professionally and politically!
It seems to be a "short trip" down the proverbial slippery slope for each of us to rude instead of strong in our convictions...to be arrogant instead of proud of our heritage and our morals...or to be a bully instead of being bold, yet considerate of our fellow man.
Spend a few moments right now and think about your commitment to integrity, compassion and ethics. Are you where you want to be in those three areas of your life?
If you are, keep it up and find someone to help! You will be the example of the good and virtuous person who causes others to be ashamed of their unkind words or unethical practices!
If you aren't where you want to be in those areas of life, set some goals and make a new commitment to be the kind of good person my dear old Granny would admire!
Blessings,
Sharon
No comments:
Post a Comment