- Alan Huckle
- Newburgh, NY
- United States
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The Genesis of Morality
We all have moral compasses that are influenced by everything around us. Our age, race, gender, religion (or lack thereof), political affiliation, local culture and societal norms all play a part in how we define our set of morals. But everyone is individual, and thus our compasses are unique.
Is there a true base for morality that isn't tied to religion, politics, or society? Can you find a universal root that can be ascribed to from all walks of life?
From constant pondering and discussion with others, I've come to the conclusion that empathy is the genesis of morality. Our miraculous gift of putting ourselves in each other's shoes and viewing the world in different perspectives is the doorway to morally sound decisions. While the exact machinations of the reasoning behind historical villains can be debated for hours, you can chalk up many infamous immoral acts such as the Holocaust, the Crusades, and the Kony abductions to a lack of empathy, a complete disregard for the victims. If more people learned to see what their neighbor sees, the world would be a much more cooperative place.
(I just want to make one point perfectly clear: there is a difference between sympathy and empathy. Sympathy is the mutual agreement based upon emotions or feelings. Empathy is putting yourself in another's perspective to gain an understanding.)
But that's just my opinion. What's yours?
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Gabo Moreno 100+
Comment deleted
Linda Taylor 50+
Peter Law 30+
:-)
Peter Law 30+
At the end of the day what matters is what is real / truth / fact. Nothing else is relevant in the long term. There are many facets of the bible that I don't like, many where I think I could have done better. However I believe the bible is the Handbook for Mankind; authored by the Creator of the Universe. I reached this belief after many years of searching. I may well be completely wrong, but little in the camp opposite has any logical or persuasive value to me; so far. Feel free to continue trying :)
:-)
Peter Law 30+
Don't knock it, the world would benefit from a few more Buddhists.
We cannot make a blade of grass from a pile of dirt. The practical engineering problems are immense, it is impossible. Logically the idea that this world self-assembled to me is ridiculous. Simple as that.
:-)
Alan Huckle
Peter Law 30+
:-)