I have honestly never thought about what my ethics were before taking this class, and so it's hard for me to right this blog post. But, when i think about it, one virtue I always try to have is kindness for other people. I think that empathy and understanding truly help to make somebody a good person. I have always tried to treat other people with compassion, because I know just how impactful that can be. I have a deep respect for people who have shown me kindness in the past, and helped me through difficult times. Because of this, I know just how important it is to treat others the same way. Human beings are a very social species, and deep down I believe that everybody wants to be accepted by the ones around them. Kindness and compassion help to make the world a better place, and that is why I try to incorporate those characteristics into my life.
But, I know for a fact that I have not always been the nicest person in past years. There have been times when I have treated others harshly, and not thought about their feelings. But, I have learned from my mistakes and tried to be a better person because of the things i've done. This is another ethic that I try to live by. I don't believe that people are either inherently "good" or "bad" because we all make mistakes and wrong choices sometimes. It's hard to always know the right thing to do, but I think that being able to grow and learn for your past mistakes is another way to live a virtuous life. It is important to never stop working on yourself, because the more accepting, tolerant, and kind you become, the more you will influence the people around you. In class, we discussed the reasons that we wanted to live a virtuous life, and I said it's because I want to be the reason people are pushed to be better versions of themselves after I die. I want to treat everybody in such a way that when I'm gone, they will live their lives in a better way. So, as long as I never stop learning from mistakes, I think that I will live a life that makes me happy.
I think you have a very admirable moral purpose with your life. you've done something that quite a few people have a hard time doing, and acknowledged your past mistakes. Instead of approaching them with guilt or apathy, you use them to inspire personal growth. Outside of the classes we have together, and the few conversations we've had, I can't say that I know you well, even in the slightest sense. However, from what I've seen, you're doing an amazing job of living up to the virtues you've set for yourself within your life. you emulate kindness and it's an admirable thing. I have no doubts that you'll live your life to the fullest.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with Katherine and I've gained a lot of respect for you. This not only shows your character and morals but it also conveys your inner strength and how genuine you are as a person. Learning from your mistakes is something that I always thought was good. Personally, I learn through experience and making many mistakes has made me grow in a moral sense and as a person overall. I also think it's really cool that you want to be the reason people better themselves. In what ways could you/do you help people accomplish that?
ReplyDeleteI agree with Katherine and Alyssa, your belief in kindness is so admirable. You're so right that kindness makes the world a better place, I think that it's something about people that is really unique and it makes a lot of things worth it. I also love that you're using mistakes you've made in the past to guide your present and future behavior. That is a thing that not a lot of people can do, but I think it's something that definitely contributes to your goodness. I think that the connection you draw between kindness and happiness at the end of your post is really interesting and very important. I agree that joy and kindness make us happy, and I think it's because it surrounds us with people who are also invested in those values. As an artist, do you try to infuse this joy and light into your work? Or is art separate from your ethical intentions?
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