Some believe the idea of right and wrong, good and evil, or sincerity and hypocrisy are a made up human construct designed to circumvent the highly outdated and stereotypical concept of ‘survival of the fittest’. Most think of the ‘fittest’ in terms of whoever persists no matter what, especially at the expense of others, which, in my mind, is the lowest form of human existence. We are creatures capable of great expression and accomplishments. We have skills and passions that can lift mankind far above the superficial and myopic idea of aspiring to be nothing more than king of the hill. We are not separate from everyone else, and we are not meant to be. No one can live without a chain of continuous connection to the whole. No one grows their own food without someone else supplying seed. No one weaves their own cloth for clothing, or provides shelter and protection without tools others have manufactured. The real truth, all too often ignored, is that we are ALL connected, in flesh, spirit, and purpose. When we help others, we summon prosperity, and the more we help, the more we benefit. When we harm others, we invite hardship, and the more we do this, the more we suffer. It’s the difference between projecting Love… and peddling fear.

Compelling evidence exists as to why mankind is different (not better, by the way) from all the rest of life on this planet. This observation is not one of self-importance of arrogance. It is quite simply a trait that no other species owns, and that characteristic is the ability to transcend our instincts. We can, when we choose to, embrace actions which lift us well beyond primitive impulses.

There are seven basics –

• Curiosity
• Anger
• Fear
• Anguish
• Nurture/assist
• Pleasure/lust
• Play

These qualities are able to embrace and kick-start many offshoots, but some advanced abilities will only develop if we consciously decide to rise above, or beyond, our basic programming. These are what we normally define as morals or values.

Some of the top ones are –

• Truth
• Compassion
• Humility
• Open-mindedness
• Patience
• Gratitude
• Mercy

So, we come to the basis for exploring the real differences between what indicates someone’s conduct as good or bad. I would say it’s rather easy to define the ideas of good vs. bad in terms mankind generally agrees upon.

Common examples are –

• Kind/cruel
• Rational/unreasonable
• Charitable/selfish
• Benevolent/Vicious
• Complimentary/insulting
• Modest/arrogant
• Constructive/destructive

From my experience and observations these conclusions are not subjective, in other words, it isn’t just my opinion which identifies what is acceptable or unacceptable, it’s pretty much rock solid what almost all of us agree upon.

I’d like to touch on another important thought which blends in with this discussion. One of the most misunderstood beliefs of our time is that ‘competition is good’. I disagree, vehemently. I talk about this in my recently published book, but it deserves a quick summary here. The energy behind pure competition is greed, and greed (whether it be fueled by money, power, or image), taken to its inevitable end, leaves only one person standing and everyone else with nothing. It’s modus operandi is destruction. Cooperation, on the other hand, has accomplished everything in history that’s been of value and advancement for the masses. It hands out rewards for all. It’s energy is construction. There are those who will be quick to argue that competition has produced the majority of innovation and growth. Yes, it has… when it’s been done under the guise of cooperation, which is why sports have rulebooks, laws exist (that are supposed to) prevent monopolies, and regulations keep people safe in favor of corporate profits. These are just a few examples among many. This type of competition I applaud as long as checks and balances are strictly maintained. Let’s face it, a football game with no rules would be completely unwatchable, and only one company owning all the oil on earth would be an economic nightmare.

Taking the previous point in mind, along with several others, I feel there are even more refined indicators of whether or not a person or group of people are either ethical or immoral.

• Ethical people are quick companions, immoral ones see everyone as potential enemies.
• Ethical people enthusiastically seek solutions, immoral ones bitterly showcase problems.
• Ethical people are prone to take responsibility, immoral ones are quick to blame.
• Ethical people forgive, immoral ones want revenge.
• Ethical people want what’s best for others, immoral ones care only for themselves.
• Ethical people give credit where it’s due, immoral ones steal the spotlight.
• Ethical people encourage with Love and patience, immoral ones demoralize with fear and defiance.

Now, not ALL of the examples above are 100% constant. For instance, blame is sometimes totally justified, however it must be administered so the party in question does not repeat behavior which would cause potential harm or chaos to others involved.

I feel it’s necessary to clarify that not all who are self-centered and unprincipled remain that way. People change all the time, and I personally know a few myself. It’s also important to remember that many good people occasionally misstep. Being thoughtless, crass, rude and ignorant from time to time can slip through the cracks, BUT… it’s not normally the nature or objective of the person who stumbled, and they always have shame and apology attached to the back end of their behavior. On the other hand, there are those in society rejoice in such interactions, they seek every opportunity to bully and harass people, and they never do the reverse, that is slip and offer complimentary actions only to regret it later. Personally I do not believe in a ‘grey area’ when it comes to our nature and objectives. If you think you ride the fence when it comes to who and what you support, then all that does is empower the aggressors and tyrants, which, congratulations, makes you their ally.

One last thought. Questioning if you lean one way or another is, of course, an important introspection, but an even more valuable and revealing exercise is to ask oneself, “Who are the people you admire?” Who are your idols, heroes, teachers, advisors, and chosen leaders? They are the mirrors to who we really are, because we tend to want emulate those we respect, or perhaps even more importantly, we see ourselves in others.

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With Love and compassion,

Daniel Andrew Lockwood