What are the ethics of life?
Ethics are the norms and values that guide our decisions and behaviors so that we can have a good impact. This book can help you a lot to understand ethics at a deeper level — Ethics for Life.
My teacher used to say that whoever said that life doesn’t come with an instruction manual probably hadn’t heard about life ethics.
These aren’t rules carved in stone but soft whispers in our ears that guide us.
Today, I’ll be diving into six life ethics that have personally transformed my journey, and I hope they might illuminate yours as well.
Prepare to believe, listen, earn, think, try, and most importantly — live.
1.Before you pray, believe:
Believe in your prayers. Trust in their power. And watch miracles unfold. — Lailah Gifty Akita
Belief is a powerful tool that shapes our reality.
Personally, I’ve found that my prayers are empty words unless they’re backed by faith.
It’s like sending a letter without an address — it won’t reach its destination.
Research supports this, indicating that people who believe strongly in their prayers often experience a phenomenon known as a “self-fulfilling prophecy,” where the belief in an outcome can actually influence it to happen.
So, before you pray, fuel your words with belief.
2.Before you speak, listen:
The word ‘listen’ contains the same letters as the word ‘silent.’ — Alfred Brendel
My grandmother used to say that there’s a reason we have two ears and one mouth — I’ve learned it’s better to listen twice as much as I speak.
In doing so, I gain a deeper understanding of others’ perspectives and have more meaningful conversations.
Neuroscience supports this; active listening is shown to enhance our empathy and comprehension, fostering stronger relationships.
3.Before you spend, earn:
Don’t tell me where your priorities are. Show me where you spend your money and I’ll tell you what they are. — James W. Frick
Financial responsibility is a significant part of my life. It’s tempting to splurge on that shiny gadget or designer outfit, but I’ve learned to earn before I spend.
I grew up with almost nothing; I earned everything with hard work and with a perpetual learning mindset.
Recently I stepped up my financial life by buying assets first, the materialistic things after what asset pay. It’s possible but it would take some time.
Interestingly, a study from Harvard Business School found that people who earn their money tend to spend it more wisely because of the perceived effort invested in acquiring it.
This ethic isn’t just about counting pennies — it’s about valuing the fruits of your labor.
4.Before you write, think:
Thinking is the hardest work there is, which is probably the reason why so few engage in it. — Henry Ford
This is especially true for me as a writer.
I find that my best pieces arise when I’ve taken the time to think, plan, and strategize before writing.
It turns out there’s a scientific reason for this — our brain’s prefrontal cortex, responsible for critical thinking, helps us organize our thoughts better when we take time to think before we act.
5.Before you quit, try:
Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time. — Thomas A. Edison
Perseverance is one of the most powerful qualities I’ve cultivated.
Every challenge is an opportunity in disguise, and I’ve found that an earnest effort can turn the tide.
The research mirrors this sentiment; a growth mindset, which is the belief that effort can improve our skills and intelligence, leads to greater resilience and success.
6.Before you die, live:
I don’t want to get to the end of my life and find that I just lived the length of it. I want to have lived the width of it as well.— Diane Ackerman
This ethic reminds me to savor each moment, embracing life with open arms.
After all, life isn’t just about existing — it’s about living.
Scientifically, engaging in new experiences has been linked to increased happiness and improved mental health.
So, let’s not just mark our days — we should make our days remarkable.
The bottom line
Navigating life’s rough currents is no easy task.
But armed with these six ethics, I’ve found a way to sail through gracefully and purposefully.
These principles aren’t just personal anecdotes — they’re rooted in scientific wisdom, serving as beacons illuminating our path.
So let’s believe, listen, earn, think, try, and truly live.
Thank you for reading my perspectives. I wish you a healthy and happy life.
