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Since helping other people and the world is what I’ve decided to dedicate my life to, I suppose it’s only natural that I’ve questioned the ethics of what I’m doing. Trying to change people from what they currently are into something else is a slippery slope. It can be a good thing or a very bad one depending on how one goes about it.
Interestingly, I’ve noticed that a lot of people don’t question the ethics of changing people, and it makes me wonder about them, and not in a good way. Many, especially those with an extreme religious or political background just want everyone to believe what they believe and do what they tell them to do. They see everyone else as wrong, no matter what they’re thinking or doing. I say that’s a very flawed mentality and people like that have no right trying to change others.
For me, I feel comfortable in what I’m doing because of where my heart and head are when I’m doing it. I’m not trying to make people believe what I do or be like me. My goal is to make people wake up, think, and be the best person they can be. Maybe their best isn’t someone I’d like, but that wouldn’t mean they’re doing anything wrong. Unlike many out there these days, I’m not trying to create sheep, I’m trying to create free people who can think for themselves.
Now, I do know that people like to follow. They find it easier to emulate someone else and follow what someone else believes than to live a totally free life. With that in mind, I try to set the best example I can. If someone chooses, of their own free will, to use me as a standard and live like I do, then I need to be the kind of person that I’d want more of in the world. I’m not asking or expecting anyone to live or think as I do, but if that’s what they choose, then I’m going to do my best to be a good role model.
A lot of people who want to be (or are) leaders and shape how people think miss that part. They tell you to do as they say but not as they do, and there tends to be a lot of hypocrisy. I personally believe though, that you should live what you speak, and I do. We all slip, but I don’t give any advice or lessons that I’m not living myself. Walking the talk is an important part of the process for me.
I really do wish that people would stop blindly following others and think for themselves, but if you’re going to follow, at least make sure the one you’re following is the best leader, not just the loudest or most frightening. When it comes down to the ethics though, my conscience is clear. I’m not trying to control people, I’m trying to set them free. I want you to all be your unique best, no matter what that means.
