Ethics and Influences

Ethics, I think, are morals put into action. I try to live my life adhering to a moral code created in part by my upbringing but mostly forged by what I inherently know to be right. I do my homework religiously, treat others with kindness and courtesy, and don’t participate in activities that I know to be harmful to others or myself. I have a tragic number of flaws but try to make up for them by doing good deeds and attempting to be a good person. I think humans, apart from sociopaths, are born with a moral code and simply know what’s right and what’s wrong. You just know homicide is wrong. Your friends and your family shape your stances on the slightly less defined ethical dilemmas. Your religion, for instance, might shape the way you view controversial topics like gay marriage or abortion. You are not born with an opinion on either matter. Your surroundings dictate such beliefs. Racism and sexism are also things that must be taught. In matters such as these and others, my friends and family have had a profound influence. My mother is an atheist and a feminist, and she unintentionally shaped me into a feminist atheist throughout the years, so now I sound a lot like her when certain topics are brought up. My mother intentionally taught me that I must help others, even if it’s at a cost to myself, so I try to make her proud by doing so. My friends are all very good people who naturally refuse to dabble in nefarious doings and so influence me to do the same. They are fairly open-minded as well, and through listening to their opinions and beliefs, my eyes have been opened to new worlds of thinking.