Dearest readers, have you ever heard of the old saying- The more things change, the more they stay the same. People say our brains are ancient computers dealing with new realities for which they were not designed. I did believe that for a little while. But guess what? When you think about it really hard, you realize this is total BS! Whatever scenarios we face in 2024 and going forward, there are only two options we have: to operate on some eternal principles and values, or to operate on their corrupt versions masquerading as something new and improved. I talked to different people from different levels of power and walks of life about this topic since the year started, and I would like to share with you a few interesting concepts that will come in really handy going forward, as they are concepts that also proved themselves very useful ever since they were discovered by us humans. :)
First, we need to at least understand there is such a thing as a moral compass. It is an unwavering guide that dictates one's ethical decisions and actions. It is the internal mechanism that directs individuals towards principles of right and wrong, irrespective of external pressures. Sweet definition, right? So perfect, clean, and as difficult to find in its perfect form as a particle in a vacuum. Nevertheless, it is very important. Look, now more than ever, we are surrounded by so many ideas, so many influencers, so many gurus that speak to every little voice inside our head individually or at the same time. No matter what you want to do, there is someone or something out there justifying your decisions. A moral compass offers you a system so you cannot be easily lead down the wrong path. You never know where you will be born, in what sort of an environment, and who your role models will be. But, if you understand that there are some universally human guiding principles, you will be able to say no to a lot of bad ideas. But, this story is not so simple after all. Considering my line of work, people may wonder why I am writing about the moral compass, and even if I have one. Well, of course I do. I think every healthy individual does! Oh, and I do not believe that it varies from person to person. So, what does this whole thing mean? There is such a thing as a moral compass, it is universal, everyone has it, and everyone falls short of it. So far so good? Ok. Now how does this helps us? By itself, not much.
This is where the second concept comes in. Some call it doublethink. It is a very unflattering name. Me, I like the quote by F. Scott Fitzgerald: “The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposing ideas in mind at the same time and still retain the ability to function. One should, for example, be able to see that things are hopeless yet be determined to make them otherwise.” Now I do admit this sounds a little gloomy, but this is just an example. Believe me when I tell you this, gentlemen- unless you already know it and consequently do not need to go by belief alone- there is a huge difference between having a perfect understanding of the moral compass and taking the gloves off when you have no other choice, than to believe that a moral compass is whatever you want it to be, whatever the influencer of the day tells you it is, whatever an ideological group suggests is hot for 2024 and so on. While progress is making wins bigger and losses smaller, as a person with a strong compass and a dichotomy of thought you understand that your actions will not always have positive consequences for everyone. You cannot step in the water without causing ripples. Whatever you do is bad for someone (thanks for that wisdom, Joseph Campbell), and no matter how good you are someone else will think you are bad or simply not like you.
If you can truly embrace in your mind the concept that you are loved and hated, right and wrong, good and bad at the same time, even when you are trying your best- you gain a superpower! What superpower is that? It is the power to do what must be done while understanding it is not the most ideal thing. Having a tough conversation with your boss at work while looking at their face and knowing you are causing disruption and discomfort no matter how delicate you are. Approaching a potential romantic interest at a coffee place while they are just minding their own business, disrupting their peace. Disciplining your kid, even though exerting power over someone so dependent on your feels really bad. Working hard at your place work while knowing that every single company out there eventually dies no matter what you do. Looking at people's faces and how much they dislike you when you say no, though you are perfectly justified in doing so; and then, still telling them they have to work, communicate or be with you regardless.
If moral compass were a crown, heavy is the head that wears it. But, we are in a world where everyone has to put one on, because either you will put one on your own head, or you end up spending your life helping countless others put their crowns on their heads, and never do it for yourself. Be generous and helpful, friendly, tolerant- it is 2024 after all. But at the same time, ask yourself a question over a thousand years old: Cui bono?
First, we need to at least understand there is such a thing as a moral compass. It is an unwavering guide that dictates one's ethical decisions and actions. It is the internal mechanism that directs individuals towards principles of right and wrong, irrespective of external pressures. Sweet definition, right? So perfect, clean, and as difficult to find in its perfect form as a particle in a vacuum. Nevertheless, it is very important. Look, now more than ever, we are surrounded by so many ideas, so many influencers, so many gurus that speak to every little voice inside our head individually or at the same time. No matter what you want to do, there is someone or something out there justifying your decisions. A moral compass offers you a system so you cannot be easily lead down the wrong path. You never know where you will be born, in what sort of an environment, and who your role models will be. But, if you understand that there are some universally human guiding principles, you will be able to say no to a lot of bad ideas. But, this story is not so simple after all. Considering my line of work, people may wonder why I am writing about the moral compass, and even if I have one. Well, of course I do. I think every healthy individual does! Oh, and I do not believe that it varies from person to person. So, what does this whole thing mean? There is such a thing as a moral compass, it is universal, everyone has it, and everyone falls short of it. So far so good? Ok. Now how does this helps us? By itself, not much.
This is where the second concept comes in. Some call it doublethink. It is a very unflattering name. Me, I like the quote by F. Scott Fitzgerald: “The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposing ideas in mind at the same time and still retain the ability to function. One should, for example, be able to see that things are hopeless yet be determined to make them otherwise.” Now I do admit this sounds a little gloomy, but this is just an example. Believe me when I tell you this, gentlemen- unless you already know it and consequently do not need to go by belief alone- there is a huge difference between having a perfect understanding of the moral compass and taking the gloves off when you have no other choice, than to believe that a moral compass is whatever you want it to be, whatever the influencer of the day tells you it is, whatever an ideological group suggests is hot for 2024 and so on. While progress is making wins bigger and losses smaller, as a person with a strong compass and a dichotomy of thought you understand that your actions will not always have positive consequences for everyone. You cannot step in the water without causing ripples. Whatever you do is bad for someone (thanks for that wisdom, Joseph Campbell), and no matter how good you are someone else will think you are bad or simply not like you.
If you can truly embrace in your mind the concept that you are loved and hated, right and wrong, good and bad at the same time, even when you are trying your best- you gain a superpower! What superpower is that? It is the power to do what must be done while understanding it is not the most ideal thing. Having a tough conversation with your boss at work while looking at their face and knowing you are causing disruption and discomfort no matter how delicate you are. Approaching a potential romantic interest at a coffee place while they are just minding their own business, disrupting their peace. Disciplining your kid, even though exerting power over someone so dependent on your feels really bad. Working hard at your place work while knowing that every single company out there eventually dies no matter what you do. Looking at people's faces and how much they dislike you when you say no, though you are perfectly justified in doing so; and then, still telling them they have to work, communicate or be with you regardless.
If moral compass were a crown, heavy is the head that wears it. But, we are in a world where everyone has to put one on, because either you will put one on your own head, or you end up spending your life helping countless others put their crowns on their heads, and never do it for yourself. Be generous and helpful, friendly, tolerant- it is 2024 after all. But at the same time, ask yourself a question over a thousand years old: Cui bono?