Some reason today when I saw this person that I get on with well and previously worked with, I didn't shout to say hello. They probably won't mind as they didn't see me, but because I hold myself to high standards it bugs me not acknowledging a person I know.
Which actually made me think about my own moral code and rightly or wrongly I by default tend to follow a chivalric code, more specifically:
- To protect the weak and defenceless
- To refrain from giving offence
- To live by honour
- To despise pecuniary reward
- To fight for the welfare of all
- To obey those placed in authority
- To eschew unfairness, meanness and deceit
- To keep faith
- At all times speak the truth
- To persevere to the end in any enterprise begun
- To respect the honour of women
- Never to refuse a challenge from an equal
- Never to turn the back on a foe
- Rather die honest than live shamelessly
So were not in medieval times any more, so the world is going to hell in a handbag, maybe. So with all the bad in the world, what's the point of having a code of ethics?
I was raised to do the right thing, I was raised not to do what the law tells me to do, but rather to do the right thing. I was raised to have manners, respect, protect the weak, stand up for others (and this has cost me a job previously).
I follow the maxim that everything I own and love can be taken from me, but my moral code can never be taken from me, it's what identifies a person as who they are. Let me be judged by my actions, not my words, not my job, not my salary, but by my moral code in action.
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