Ethics

The ethics of my life do not often come to light; they are more of a background concept, subtly guiding actions. If forced to describe some of them, I would likely fall back on to certain code words like honesty, decency, honor, respect, conventionality, excellence, accepting, ecumenical. However, I recognize that at my tender young age my ethics are far from concrete, and I find this in my own conflicted response to decisions I have to make. When I follow the ethical teachings of my parents, I strike out on my own, not caring what people think of me and doing what it right and moral on a grander scale, trying to treat people fairly, to reach beyond myself, and to strive for something better. To discourage those who would do me harm from associating with me, to pursue isolation rather than gratification. However, when I find myself falling into using the moral compass of my friends and peers, the thoughts of those around me matter more than anything else. After all, what is the point of living an isolated life? Where is the importance of doing anything; academically, morally, physically, if one remains isolated, if one does not care what the rest of the world thinks. Above all, my ethical code teaches me to be fair, to be just, to observe a situation objectively if possible, and to make the decision that is the most correct, especially if I can help another person avoid suffering because of it. I admit openly (because honesty is another piece of my higher ethical code) that I often fall short of these goals and thoughts, but they remain a vital piece of how I shape and make my decisions and actions through all aspects of my life.