Your Code....

[Evinmeer]

The concepts of honor, ethics, and morals has recently been on my mind and I thought I'd gather other people's opinions on the topic.

Do you live by a Code? Do you have specific tenants you uphold, or do you incorporate other ideals within just one? Did you adopt it from your chosen path or did you bring it together of your own accord? Why?

[aranarose]

My code is, basically, don't do anything for which you are not willing to accept the consequences.

[Meadhbh]

I agree. I don't do anything that would make me feel bad about it later unless I really have to. The problems with a lot of ethic codes is that their to idealized. You can't go around behaving like the world is this wonderfull place. If you do that you'll have your head in the sand most of the time. On the other hand you can't just go around doing what you want when you want with any thought of who it may effect or what might happen.

[Nocturna]

The concepts of honor, ethics, and morals has recently been on my mind and I thought I'd gather other people's opinions on the topic.

Do you live by a Code? Do you have specific tenants you uphold, or do you incorporate other ideals within just one? Did you adopt it from your chosen path or did you bring it together of your own accord? Why?

I tend to see honor, ethics, and morality as situational rather than universal. That is to say that I don't have a list of shalls and shall nots, but I try to be aware of the impact of my actions, and behave responsibly. For me it really boils down to the old adage about not doing to unto others what you would find hateful if it was done to you.

But I'm curious now--why did you mark this thread with a "thumbs down" icon?

[Simply Puzzled]

My code is, basically, don't do anything for which you are not willing to accept the consequences.

I think this is a phrase that is used far too often to mean too many different things. How do you interpret "accept[ing] the consequences"? Does that mean I can shoot someone in cold blood as long as I can live with myself afterwards? Does this mean I have to support that person's family afterwards?

[Philosophia]

I don't really have a code since it changes with every situations but I generally live by this; be true to myself, accept all responsibility for any actions I do, knowledge is the key, and don't believe everything you hear, read, or see, but also don't close your mind to all possibilities.

[aranarose]

I think this is a phrase that is used far too often to mean too many different things. How do you interpret "accept[ing] the consequences"? Does that mean I can shoot someone in cold blood as long as I can live with myself afterwards? Does this mean I have to support that person's family afterwards?

Short answer? Yes. If you're willing to accept ALL of the potential consequences, and face all responsibility for those actions. In the case of murder, that would mean turning yourself in and facing the state determined punishment, as well as facing the victim's family.

[Cassie]

Do you live by a Code?
Not really. The word code to me implies 'rules' and where I see rules I always see possible exceptions.


Do you have specific tenants you uphold, or do you incorporate other ideals within just one?
I try to do good where I can.
Balance, harmony and personal responsibility are key tenants for me. They sound easy but I think it will take me at least a lifetime to really work the first two out.

Did you adopt it from your chosen path or did you bring it together of your own accord? Why?
I think those concepts were always important to me. The fact that they are important in Taoism and some Pagan paths is part of what drew me to where I'm at now.

[Evinmeer]

But I'm curious now--why did you mark this thread with a "thumbs down" icon?

LOL Is that a thumbs down? I thought it was a funky looking question mark!

[Shrelana]

I think I've kinda got a "code" so to speak...I kinda go with the harm none and do as ye will, and treat others as you would like to be treated....but others are right, it's situational as well, because I also am very quick to defend myself and those I love/careabout....regardless of if I'm hurting the attacker (verbal/emo/or physical) or not...

[Windsmith]

My code is to choose whenever possible the path that leaves the world a better place after I've passed through. The great thing about it being my code is that I get to define what makes the world a better place - but I can't BS myself. If I know the better path, I have to follow it, even if it's the harder or less attractive one.

[HedwigHarfang]

My code is to choose whenever possible the path that leaves the world a better place after I've passed through. The great thing about it being my code is that I get to define what makes the world a better place - but I can't BS myself. If I know the better path, I have to follow it, even if it's the harder or less attractive one.

This is the best description of my code of honour - as you might put it - that I am only willing (a) to tell the truth as far as it is diplomatic to do so and doesn't put my loved ones in danger (b) to make sure I stand up for what I believe in even if it is unfashionable to say that kind of thing at that kind of time and (c) to always remember where I came from so I don't leave Planet Earth far behind me on what has really been an ambitious career; there's also (d) where I will treat everyone equal and not show favouritism or be nepotistic or take bribes or punish people just for not agreeing with me. That's generally a political code but in other circumstances it serves people well.

Spiritually, "love thy neighbour as thyself" (I'm not a Christian but I am a Jew, and this is the basic tenet of pure Christianity though not of established religion) and, yes, if I must, "an it harm none", though I think "love thy neighbour..." is a different way of expressing that. I also believe in the good/evil dichotomy, and at some points will always disagree with complete moral relativism, but LTN is universal and will always make sure God/dess is happy with what I'm doing and how I behave towards others, even those who do me harm. I seek punishment for wrongdoing but it should be proportionate to the crime involved rather than being vindictive and even pleasurable. I do seek justice and retribution, but again, only in proportion to the crime committed, not out of vendetta or revenge. If you p*ss me off, I, like most owls, will rip your face off. But I won't if you don't.

[Nitefalle]

Personal Responsibility is a biggie for me, as lots of people like to do things and then shift blame or evade accusation (this is in the most general sense). However, I try and live up to three ideals that I've taken from my Celtic path: Honor, Duty and Hospitality. I try and act with honor, do things that I think are honorable, and show my family/ancestors and gods honor. Duty is swallowing something you don't want to do necessarily, but should do or have to do, such as getting up and going to a boring job every day (because it helps pay your bills) or doing the laundry (which is an onorous chore, but must be done in order to have clean clothes) or cleaning the house (which one doesn't *have to* do, but contributes greatly towards Hospitality). When I am doing something that is my duty, I often remind myself that even though I'd rather be watching television or some such, these are things that need to be done in order to build towards the life I ultimately want, as well as being something that contributes towards my spiritual ideals. Hospitality is very important to me - it is something that the Celts took seriously. The home was always supposed to be open to strangers to take refuge, no matter the time of day or night, and one was always supposed to offer food or drink, for to refuse was a horrible insult - even if it took food out of your own mouth. But in return, this covered being a good house guest as well, and never coming to someone's door empty-handed, acting politely, etc. Taking into account modern safety issues, I try and live up to this as much as possible. I take great pride in my home, I keep it clean and try and make it as comfortable for others as possible, always offering my friends an open door and an attentive ear whenever they should need it. My southern mother drilled into me the rules and etiquette of being a polite house-guest, never inviting yourself anywhere, always say please/thank you, never imposing or being a nuisance, etc. So....those are my "codes", if you will.