Life would be easier if there was no grey area between legal and illegal or between right and wrong. But if you are like me, you can find yourself in situations that are difficult.
I know the difference between right and wrong, and the difference between legal and illegal. But what if following the law injures another person? What if doing what you believe is right, breaks the law? In these cases, you can find a vicious debate.
I am driven more by moral values than I am by the laws written by other people. I also recognize that being morally right does not allow me to judge others. In today’s culture, we are experiencing conflict about gun control, abortion, gender, euthanasia, immigration, global consumption and growth.
This topic has been on my mind since I read a quote by Eleanor Roosevelt. She said, “When will our consciences grow so tender that we will act to prevent human misery rather than avenge it?” I can also restate that from another perspective as, “When will our consciences grow so tender that we will act to prevent human misery rather than accept it as a cost of our greed?”
Moral dilemmas have existed throughout history. To me it is important how I act, and how I respond. Yet, I can only make a difference if I understand the issues. Listening to one or even both sides of the argument by itself does not help. Both sides will claim to be right.
Is it right or wrong, legal or illegal? Because in today’s culture every voice can be heard, it has made finding the truth more difficult. But if we listen to Eleanor, preventing human misery may help us start. How do you deal with all the conflict that invades your daily life?