At the risk of being labeled a heretic, I have to admit that the Christian ideology of sin (and grace) that was engrained into my Methodist upbringing didn’t resonate once I started studying philosophy in college. Nor did the Golden Rule, which as a guiding principal is far from the altruistic measure it is touted as in elementary school.

All that said, I’m not an advocate anarchy, and I believe in defined rules of what’s write and wrong; while it’s risky for the collective society, I believe these are best implemented on a personal level, as opposed to government mandate. Christianity teaches this (well, most denominations do, anyway), but Christianity often relies too heavily on guilt and shame. I’m not well-versed in other religions, but all offer some sort of moral compass.

Many non-religious organizations also offer a code of ethics. Rotary, for example, offers the Four-Way Test.

Of the things we say or do:

1. Is it the TRUTH?
2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?
3. Will it bring GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

I find this to be quite useful, though admittedly I have to look up the four questions periodically as I have a hard time remembering all of them. Lately, however, I’ve discovered the easiest way to evaluate my attitudes and actions is to ask only one question: Am I leading the way for the next generation?

The question is a bit loaded, but it boils down to whether or not I’m setting an example that I’d want someone else to follow—a child, especially. I’m not sure what led me to ask this question (though I suppose it stems from discussions with Kim about building the Collier dynasty), but I can’t get it off my mind.

So, what guides your decisions?

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