Ethics Is Not Easy 645.4
Let’s be honest. Ethics is not for wimps. It’s not easy being a good person.
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It’s not easy to be honest when it might be costly, to play fair when others cheat, or to keep promises that are inconvenient.
It’s not easy to stand up for our beliefs and still respect differing viewpoints.
It’s not easy to control powerful impulses, to be accountable for our attitudes and actions, to tackle unpleasant tasks, or to sacrifice the now for later.
It’s not easy to bear criticism and learn from it without getting angry, to take advice, or to admit error.
It’s not easy to feel genuine remorse and apologize sincerely or to accept an apology graciously and truly forgive.
It’s not easy to stop feeling like a victim, to resist cynicism, or to make the best of every situation.
It’s not easy to be consistently kind, to think of others first, to judge generously, or to give the benefit of the doubt.
It’s not easy to be grateful or to give without concern for reward or gratitude.
It’s not easy to fail and still keep trying, to learn from failure, to risk failing again, to start over, to lose with grace, or to be glad of another’s success.
It’s not easy to look at ourselves honestly and be accountable, to avoid excuses and rationalizations, or to resist temptations.
No, being a person of character is not easy. That’s why it’s such a lofty goal and an admirable achievement.
This is Michael Josephson reminding you that character counts.
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Comments
It is okay to be honest, only don't be a liar. If it is hard for you to be a good person, then just let it go. I'm not a tough guy, but I do not hold grudges against someone.
Posted by: Joseph L. Barrera | November 19, 2009 2:38 PM
I have been a good giving person all my life. I have found the more I give, the more I get burned and used. Now tell me...how do I let it go when people are constantly trying to use me for what I have had? When times are good, everyone is there for you. When times are bad...try and find them.
Posted by: Anonymous | November 20, 2009 3:51 AM
It is not easy to be honest to people and tell them the truth. It is not easy to be a good person.
Posted by: Miguel Macedo | November 20, 2009 8:05 AM
To have all the qualities mentioned in this article amounts to Sainthood.
Posted by: FRANK HILTON | November 20, 2009 11:48 AM
It's not easy to be half of what is mentioned. Could you imagine the world if the populace strived to do so?
Posted by: Kikmor | November 21, 2009 7:45 AM
Thank you! I shall take honest looks inside myself more often so my steps forward can be genuinely steadfast.
"...it's such a lofty goal..." It is indeed, but not unreachable.
Posted by: G.Heredia | November 21, 2009 5:10 PM
It is not easy to be tough. Many people can be weak. I can only be tough whenever I am mad, but mostly I'm nice all the time whenever I'm not mad. In my school, everyone wanted to fight me in the 6th grade, but now that I'm in the 7th grade no one wants to fight with me. Many people have to be honest, but it ain't easy. You have to be nice and and don't be a liar to your friends. So be truthful to your friends, family, or relatives, but you have to be honest to everyone.
Posted by: Gabriel Benitez | November 21, 2009 8:05 PM
Surprisingly, the theme of this essay did not ring true for me. Granted, being a good person is not always easy, per se, but I wouldn't go so far as to say it is hard. I would find it much harder to behave less idealistically, as that would undermine my self-esteem and sense of right and wrong, which are important bulwarks and allies in my life. In the largest context, I think it is easier to behave well, as best and as often as one can.
Posted by: Mark Clayton | November 22, 2009 7:30 PM
A quote from Confucious says it all.
"Don't do to others what you would not have done to you".
This is a 24/7 rule of ethics which should govern all that we do. It is in essence a commandment unlike the golden rule which sounds nice but demands nothing.
Posted by: RR. Barela | November 27, 2009 9:22 PM
I do not think it is easy to be a better person if you are bad.It is hard to become a good person and also treat other people with respect.I do not think that the kid Gabriel is really tough,I think he is weak and does not want to show it and now he is proving that he is not a good person by not telling the truth to us.Being a good person does not mean you have to act nice you have to show it inside.In life instead of getting in trouble you should have start from the beginning instead of starting from the end.THIS IS MIGUEL SAYING THAT BEING A GOOD PERSON IS NOT EASY.
Posted by: mmmiigguuueelll | December 3, 2009 6:00 PM