Why We Don’t Always Do What We Know Is Right
In a world filled with countless moral dilemmas and daily choices, why is it that we often do not act in alignment with our knowledge of what is right? This question has been pondered by philosophers, spiritual leaders, and everyday individuals. The answer lies in several interrelated factors, including our human nature, the power of habit, and the complexities of life itself.
Procrastination: The Cultural and Psychological Barrier
Procrastination is a pervasive issue that affects decision-making and behavior in countless domains. According to various psychological studies, there are numerous reasons why we procrastinate, including perfectionism, depression, lack of energy, fear of failure, and fear of success. These psychological and emotional factors can lead us to delay actions that we know are in our best interest. For instance, a person may delay starting a project at work because they fear potential failure, or they may put off exercising because they feel demotivated.
Undoing the Habit of Right Action
In the realm of doing what is known to be right, habit formation plays a crucial role. To consistently make right decisions and take appropriate actions, we must instill this intuitive knowledge deep within us. This means that our actions must be driven by an understanding of what is right, rather than just an intellectual understanding or knowledge. Without making it a habit, we are likely to fall short in executing the right actions when the opportunity arises.
The Tyranny of Self-Centered Righteousness
Self-centered righteousness is another significant factor that often clouds our judgment. Throughout history, we have witnessed groups of people who believe that their way is the only right way, leading to atrocities and destruction. For instance, groups who followed leaders like Hitler acted out of a self-centric sense of righteousness, disregarding the lives and well-being of others. Similarly, greedy businessmen have destroyed the planet in the name of profit, acting on their self-centered beliefs.
The problem with self-centered righteousness is that it is often blindly adhered to. People who follow charismatic or authority figures without questioning their beliefs can lead to catastrophic outcomes. Those who unquestioningly followed Hitler’s ideology did so with tragic consequences. It is crucial to question our beliefs and consider the ethical and humanitarian implications of our actions.
Discovering True Righteousness
To align our actions with what is truly right, we must break free from the constraints of self-centered righteousness and question our beliefs. This involves looking inward and considering whether our actions are hurting others or the planet. By doing so, we can learn to let loving and compassionate energy flow through us, rather than following dogmatic ideologies or leaders who may have ulterior motives.
Ultimately, the path to righteousness is a journey of self-discovery and introspection. By understanding the reasons behind our actions and the impact they have, we can foster a more compassionate and inclusive world. Questioning our beliefs and observing the consequences of our actions can help us navigate the complexities of life and make more ethical decisions.
Conclusion: While we may not always know what is right with certainty, we can learn to identify and act in ways that do not harm others. By forming the right habits and questioning our beliefs, we can align our actions with our moral values and contribute to a more just and compassionate society.