VALUES, distorted

How do we find, and FEEL common ground. How do we live it? How have the values, the ones we have studied, or those that have been ingrained in us, or those we think we should uphold, become so distorted? Can we revisit these, right now? Let us look at some historical concepts of Value:

GREEK MYTHOLOGY. 1. Respect for the Gods. Respect and Revere. 2. The Power of the Gods. Do not challenge in any way. 3. Pride. Overbearing pride will lead to one's downfall. 4. Prophesy. Unavoidable and inevitable. 5. Family. Family loyalty. 6. Hospitality. To all. 7. Burial. Proper for all. 8. Revenge. Acceptable. 9. Promise or Oath. Shall not be broken. 10. Loyalty. Highly honored.

BIBLICAL. Temperance. Prudence. Courage. Justice.

DON QUIXOTE. "Thieves are never rogues amongst themselves."

EASTERN. Wise Listening: Knowledge, Wisdom, Enlightenment. Highest Value: Self Development. Collectivism: Integral part of larger mechanism. Silence is golden. Cyclical, unlimited Development of all.

CONFUCIUS: Is virtue a thing remote? I wish to be virtuous, and lo! Virtue is at hand.

To be able under all circumstances to practice five things constitutes perfect virtue; these five things are gravity, generosity of soul, sincerity, earnestness and kindness.

The firm, the enduring, the simple, and the modest are near to virtue.

Wisdom, compassion, and courage are the three universally recognised moral qualities of men.

He who exercises government by means of his virtue may be compared to the north polar star, which keeps its place and all the stars turn towards it.

PLATO, ARISTOTOTLE, EPTICTETUS

The JAPANESE BUSHIDO CODE

ALL of our religions, many of our philosophers, our governing bodies, our communities, schools, families and each individual has some sense of virtue.

Where has it gone wrong? Yes there has been too much value placed on money and financial gain. Yes there has been extremism in religion. Yes we all fall out of line.

How do we bring about social harmony and fairness.

Can it just start within our own hearts? Can we be compassionate and forgiving? Can we be grateful and take care of and love ourselves and those around us without fear or greed?

I love literature because we can read about what happens when values are distorted and see so clearly what can happen. It is such a great teacher...