Morality

Put Your Records On (Corrine Bailey Rae)

"maybe sometimes we got it wrong, but it's alright"

I was clearing my old notes today (wayyyy back to first year) and chanced upon this cute little poem in a Law handout by Dr Dai John. I wonder why it was there...

Moral Maxims
by Colin McGinn (from the book Moral Literacy)

If you want someone to do something, persuade them, don't make them
Always be kind at first, but be firm if your kindness is exploited
Trust people unless you have reason not to, but don't be surprised if your trust is betrayed
In matters of blame, think twice before you speak
Be critical but not cynical
Remember that there is a future, not just a present

Never allow the low standards of others to lower your own standards
Admire good people
Be wary of envy, in yourself and others
Don't forget that everyone has to die and everyone was once born
Don't confuse just criticism with persecution
Be truthful, but not in order to hurt others
Let the facts speak for themselves
Beware of the abuse of power

If you are not sure you are doing the right thing, ask a trusted friend
Remember that bad things have often been done in the name of virtue
First be honest with yourself, and then with other people
Never let injustice pass unchallenged
Don't make excuses for cruelty
Don't take from others what is rightfully theirs
Be kind to strangers, but not because you too may be a stranger one day
Don't allow your temper to do what reason can't
If you can't sing, be happy that someone can
Stare at yourself in the mirror once in a while
Don't insult where you can refute
Don't confuse independence with rebelliousness
Respect truth above persons
Don't despise the unfortunate

Keep your word
Don't let outward appearance determine your moral judgments
Be tolerant of difference
Be humourous, but not at the cost of seriousness
Don't think what is right is always obvious
Let other people finish their sentences
Apologise if you let someone down
Don't apologise if you have done nothing wrong.

Haha, looks like I'm not that moral after all...