On discovering my morals and values
I've spent the better half of the last five years, searching for how I can unearth my own, individual values and morals. Why? I can't expand on that yet, but what I did discover how I can discover them. Here we go
Reflect on your past decisions. Think about the times in your life when you've had to make a difficult moral decision. What did you choose to do? Why?
Consider your role models. Who are the people you admire most in the world? What do you think they believe is right and wrong?
Talk to your friends and family. Ask them what they think are important moral values. You may be surprised to learn that you share some of their values.
Read about different moral philosophies. There are many different ways to think about morality. Learning about different philosophies can help you clarify your own beliefs.
Once I've identified these morals, it occurred to me that it would be extremely important to live in accordance with them. This would mean making choices that are consistent with these morals and values, ESPECIALLY when it's difficult. It also means being willing to stand up for them, even when others disagree with you.
But how? How would I live in line with my newly discovered morals and values?
- Be aware of your own biases. (I still don't know why I wrote this down)
- Consider the consequences of your actions (A deeper understanding of Chesterton's Fence would really help here)
- Be willing to compromise. (That's all I've been doing my whole life)
- Be open to change. Your morals may change over time as you learn and grow. Be open to changing your morals as you become a more mature and experienced person. (This is going to be the most difficult thing I've ever done in my life)
It's going to be a fun last quarter of 2023 for me. Stay along for the ride?