Morality

Some days back I made a sweeping generalization "All Human beings are morally corrupt" . This was obviously met with some spirited defense. Initially some didnt even find the merit in putting up a defense, that thought was so ridiculous to them. As I tried to defend my position , I was branded a stubborn, arrogant, some one even quipped if I had a troubled childhood. I didnt mind that, infact I was stimulated by a highly excited group of people who are guarding their shared values, it was to be expected.

How difficult it is to accept that the principles that we cherish, base our lives on can be just a function of convenience and social conditioning that we have been exposed to. If our situations were to change in future so will our concept of morality, we will find new justifications, new light, an awakening!

There are two types of moral values here, some which are under check purely cause of the threat of punishment, If that fear is taken out, the more adventurous among us will start to experiment and then the rest will follow, if he doesnt pay taxes why should I ? Then there is the guilty conscience, these morality concepts are more hardwired, even if things would change in future these values will still linger on. It forms a part of the value system, that gives meaning to your life. Before it became accepted as a part of the value system, it probably went through much scrutiny, questions asked what is the utility of it ? , (both direct and indirect). Being dishonest is bad, yes, but by preaching that arent we implying, dont be dishonest to me ?. A good deal of our energy is directed to maintain that image an optimal image which we think will give us the maximum mileage in this world. And we preach morality !

Given that is it too far fetched to say that morality, a guilty conscience is just our minds creation to further our selfish needs ?. You need it, and as you need it, others also rely on some other set of values, they too need it. what makes it complex is, that 'other value' might be immoral from your perspective and then conflict.

What am I trying to come to here ? Just to be tolerant, let it go I find resonance of this in our spiritual teachings. Get out of the never ending cycle, its just a game that we all play.

From a worldly perspective the concept of morality is required, SO if you would dont like think too much .... it simplifies a lot of things in society, lays down a common set of guidelines, which goes a long way in managing our expectations from society and establish some order.