The direct translation from the French
means “obligation of the nobility”. In
general terms it implies that with wealth and power comes responsibility. In ethical terms it implies that with
privilege there is a duty towards those who lack that privilege. Recently it has been used to suggest that the
rich and powerful should set a good example of decent behaviour or exceed the
minimum standard.
Unfortunately the media feeds us
notoriety more than exemplary behaviour.
Perhaps that is partly because those who do good in the world prefer to
keep a low profile so good deeds go unnoticed by the general population. Sadly, the public also seems to enjoy hearing
the worst of people rather than the best.
Yellow journalism has become the norm even in “legitimate” newspapers
and one shudders to think what is obtainable via the Internet by way of
sensationalism.
It behooves educated, sensible and
compassionate people to strive towards their own “decent behaviour” and to seek
to make the world a better place individually by their own conduct to their
family, friends and colleagues; indeed within their circle of influence. What better way in these critical times than
to understand the differences among race, gender and religion and find the
common ground among them. Peace is a
common thread among all people. In our everyday
lives we can seek peace by speaking slowly, thoughtfully and gently striving
towards understanding and by being slow to react. Hasty words bring regrets.
Forget the John Wayne syndrome, shake
off the foolishness of patriotism and instead embrace the truth of simple
humanity. In the end we are all the same,
flesh and blood, with a certain time on earth and then we are no more.
One day at a time, one person arm’s
length to another person, we can seek understanding and peace. That is the obligation of humanity.
No comments:
Post a Comment