Ideals are only
what we imagine
to be the highest good.
Values are simply
those ideals
that we hold most dear.
Principles are the guidelines
developed by experience
that support our values.
Ethics are the methods by which
we feel it is appropriate
to achieve our principles.
Morals are attempts to codify
Ideals, Values,
Principles and Ethics
into Laws.
Laws are rules that, for the most part,
some entity believes
we are required to follow.
Every Law, no matter how well crafted,
reduces at least someone’s freedom;
id est, the more Laws, the less freedom.
And so it flows, from Ideals to enforcement,
From caring to coercion.
Since the real world refuses
to be locked into
a good or evil straight-jacket,
Morals can only work as guidelines,
though the self-righteous and ignorant
will try to enforce them literally.
Thus in politics these words are usually
only masks covering
hidden lies and secret agendas.
Since the whole structure begins
with what we imagine
being the highest good,
Ideals, Values, Ethics, Principles
and even Morals and Laws,
must be able to change
with experience and time.
The ability to flex
exemplifies moral muscle.
Author notes
This is another example of a thought poem. Try to connect the meanings without visualizing or hearing the words. This poem took over ten years to write. The meanings are precise.
Written February 2nd, 2006
What did you think
Comments
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Empathy and respect are virtues, not morals. Apparently these schools feel that Virtue Assemblies are ethical means of imparting these values. Personally, I think it is possible to give someone something to think ablout in Assemblies, but it takes the caring example of adults behaving ethically to truely impart values, priciples and ethics. I hope I'm wrong but it seems to me that, since they are using the word "virtue", a word that implies more to the surface "wearing" of the appearance of Ethical Behavior, that they are using peer pressure and propaganda to impart morals, which as I mentioned above can only work as guidelines.
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Morals are now taught at school through virtue assemblies. Each month has a different virture - empathy, respect, etc. Good for kids to learn more about these so that they treat everyone fairly. Liked this poem of yours. Easy to read and undestand.
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