Morality is defined as the collective belief in right or wrong behavior. It is inherently subject to the passage of time. By examining the past, we can observe how moral standards have evolved over the centuries. Actions deemed morally acceptable in the 16th century are now widely regarded as barbaric and inhumane in the 21st century.
The transformation of morality is closely tied to shifts in people’s interpretations of life. In previous generations, it was commonplace for children to work full-time jobs, fathers to arrange marriages for their children, and for slavery to be accepted. However, through conscious reflection and experiential learning, we have come to the conclusion that such practices are unethical and infringe upon the fundamental human right to be treated with respect.
How do you treat yourself?
Interestingly, while we strive to project ethical standards onto others, we often neglect to apply the same principles to ourselves. In doing so, we may unwittingly abuse, exploit, or violate our own well-being.
Rarely do we pause to consider if our own actions align with our sense of integrity. If we were to critically analyze how we treat ourselves, we would likely discover that we often mistreat and even dehumanize ourselves.
Consider how we settle for jobs that do not fulfill us solely for the sake of monetary gain, or how we remain in unhealthy relationships to safeguard the feelings of others. We may even tolerate toxic behavior out of fear of rejection. Society’s teachings have often encouraged behaviors that undermine our mental health and physical well-being.
If our actions consistently contradict our own well-being, it becomes challenging to genuinely treat others with the respect they deserve.
Therefore, we must take time to look over our current commitments, partnerships, and friendships. We must identify and question the aspects of our lives that we tolerate despite their misalignment with our moral compass. By doing so, we can strive for a more cohesive and authentic existence that aligns with our morality.
