Most people would agree that we each have an individual responsibility to do the right thing.
The problem is, very few people are in agreement on what exactly is meant by doing the right thing.
No matter how well-practiced we become at living the Golden Rule, there’s always going to be some kind of disagreement over what constitutes the right thing.
This doesn’t mean we have to be at one another’s throats over those disagreements but it does mean that we have to be capable of disagreeing without losing civility.
That can be tough when some people treat even the mildest disagreement as an excuse to become aggressive, nasty or violent.
Their goal is to intimidate those with whom they disagree.
Speaking your mind under such circumstances without also becoming antagonistic can be a challenge but it can be done.
Staying silent is also an option.
However, not speaking out when we see actual wrongs or injustices because we are afraid that someone might call us names is not exactly an indication of good character.
Having the courage of conviction doesn’t mean that we won’t be slandered or questioned.
It means that we’re willing to do the right thing, even if it comes at some cost to us.
Historically, a lot of truly great people have confronted evil and paid for it with their lives or their freedom.
Having a conscience that’s at peace is worth more than the shame of simply avoiding criticism.
The Shame of Avoiding Criticism