Grad School Paper # 3

What five principles or values should govern human existence, including choices and behavior?

            It is hard to tell how well a building could withstand a storm by just looking at the walls, for the durability and strength is found in its foundation. This is similar to life. How we treat others, what we accomplish, and the choices we make are not only found in what we do, but also in who we. We are so driven by who we are and what we believe, which are the principles we live by. This is our foundation. Is it durable and strong? Will it withstand a storm? Principles give us direction no matter what circumstance we are in. They are a set of values we base our choices and behaviors on and will ultimately persuade our direction.

            It is our principles and values that keep our choices and behaviors in check. Let me again reiterate the imperfection of human existence, and without founding principles it makes it hard to strive for excellence. It also makes it difficult to align our character with a moral set of beliefs. A few years back I was encouraged to sit down and write out the principles that guide my life. My personal philosophy has aided in the development of the five principles that I think govern human existence. These five principles shape our behavior, the choices we make, and, inevitably, the consequences that may or may not follow. After much thought, I have concluded that the five main principles which govern human existence are: honesty, treating people right no matter how they are treating you, using our strengths to help others with their weaknesses, equality, and keeping promises, commitments, and agreements.

            It is easy to say, “I am honest.” But is it as easy to tell the truth in a dire situation when our life is on the line? Honesty is the act of being truthful and sincere, and it is the freedom from deceit or fraud. It is also the quickest way to determine one’s character, with character being all we really have when it comes right down to it. Staying truthful to oneself and to others allows for natural responsibility. As imperfect humans, we must be willing to accept the responsibility that complete honesty will bring.

            Treat people right no matter how they treat you. It is impossible to control other peoples’ behavior, for the only behaviors we can control are our own. Because of the freedom we have to control ourselves, we can freely change how we react to people who mistreat us, and we can chose to make the right choice each time. Do not pursue retaliation, but instead pursue reconciliation. People are going to slip up and do us harm, especially close family and friends. Grace and forgiveness would not exist if we reacted and got back at everyone for how they have treated us. Overall, if the human race would just assimilate and accommodate the phrase that life is not “tit-for-tat,” there would be more peaceful and compassionate people in our world, making healthy choices for themselves and others.

            We all have different strong points, which inevitably are someone else’s weak points. Therefore, we need to use our strengths to help others with their weaknesses. If we were all designed to be exactly alike, then uniqueness, character, and personality would not exist. Instead, we were created with strengths that are most likely our neighbors’ weaknesses. What good are my strengths that only benefit me? Do I use them to benefit those around me? Or do I selfishly harbor my strengths? I believe that our world was created to resemble a large puzzle, and we are the puzzle pieces. It could be a better place if we all chose to support and encourage those around us. In summary, take what we were given and give to others so that they may join us on the journey of success.

            Equality means that no one person is better than anyone else. Equality does not mean we are all the same, for no two people are alike. Piggybacking off of the above principle is the idea that we were all created differently and uniquely: in color and style, financially, emotionally, and physically. However, the common denominators holding us together are that we are all human beings and we all have life. Do not fall into the trap of treating some people better than others. We all deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, which will result in an equal society. The principle of equality largely governs behavior and choice. If we look at individuals through this pristine type of lens, it can change the way we treat them, talk to them, and look at them. Equality is something our country has been striving for long before the MLK Jr. revolution fifty years ago, so let us continue forth with the same goal.

            Lastly, I think it is important to keep promises, commitments, and agreements. Our society is founded on written and unwritten laws. If we break a law we naturally wreak the consequences, whether that be something as extreme as a life sentence or as small as a small fine. The same should apply to everyday life. When we fail to keep a promise, it communicates our lack of care. We have ultimately elected to place something else ahead of the commitment we made, which can result in an erosion of respect and trust in our relationships. Similarly to the first principle of honesty, our behavior towards people and the agreements we make reflect our character. Do we care enough about others to stay true to our word? That is the message portrayed when we do not do what we say we will do. Do not short-circuit success.

            In conclusion, I hold true to these five basic principles of human existence. Each of them shape and define character and behavior, and influence the choices we make. It is our daily responsibility to be open and honest, treat others right, use and abuse our strengths, share equality, and keep promises. I value human life and I value the freedom I have in this country. However, only through how I live my life can I that expose the principles I have.