Maybe it is the result of having lived for 61 years. Perhaps it is nothing more than the changing times. Have I become "set in my ways ? " Whatever the cause may be I have decided I have put my finger on the problem. What problem, you may ask ? Society, I answer. And the problem ? A decided lack of proprieties. We do not observe a standard sense of propriety. It is this attitude of, do your own thing, that is part of the decay. Without a standard, a set of behaviors to guide us, there is no order. This lack of order causes misunderstandings and friction. A strict adherence to the proprieties at all times leads to a more harmonious relationship. This is true with individuals as well as society in general.
I certainly do not advocate for a strict standard of behavior. I do believe in freedom of expression. It is only in the execution of that freedom that I feel decorum should be maintained. These public displays of a lack of restraint or unwillingness to act appropriately I find disturbing. A proper sense of propriety dictates certain actions take place in private. Actions that cause discomfort to others, or lead to unrest fall into that category. An example may be an unruly child. When I was younger and raising my own children I did not publicly argue or discipline them. They were removed to a private location,relatively speaking, and reprimanded. Other examples include the use of " language " in the presence of ladies. Now it is the " ladies " that use the language.
I have always been one for the sublime rather than direct confrontation. That is not to say I will not directly confront others with my own concerns. I most definitely will. It does cause me discomfort and unease. I do favor a more subtle approach. I also would much prefer a private setting. Discernment is a prerequisite to the observation of propriety. Is there also a lack of discernment in todays' society ? I will have to answer, most assuredly. That leads us right back to what I feel is the root problem. A lack of propriety. How is one expected to discern what is proper, or what is unacceptable, if there are no comparisons ? Conformity has become a dirty word. The adherence to societal norms has fallen out of favor. Why should this be so ? Perhaps it is because it requires restraint,discernment, and an observation of the proprieties. It is far easier to make excuses for our behaviors rather than to correct them. It is far easier to ignore than to observe.
Is obedience to a moral and ethical code a sign of weakness ? I certainly don't think so. I know that it requires effort and due diligence. Could it be that is also related to the decline of the religious ? Immediate wants are now taking precedence over the long range goal ? The question there is, what is the goal ? Is the goal self fulfillment, or making a positive contribution to society in general ? It would seem that is what governs our behaviors, the answer to that question.
I will say I often fail in my attempt to fulfill my ambition. I am like everyone else. I am just a person. The first step is awareness. With the advance of the years my awareness has been raised. I am beginning to feel a sense urgency. I'll keep trying.
I certainly do not advocate for a strict standard of behavior. I do believe in freedom of expression. It is only in the execution of that freedom that I feel decorum should be maintained. These public displays of a lack of restraint or unwillingness to act appropriately I find disturbing. A proper sense of propriety dictates certain actions take place in private. Actions that cause discomfort to others, or lead to unrest fall into that category. An example may be an unruly child. When I was younger and raising my own children I did not publicly argue or discipline them. They were removed to a private location,relatively speaking, and reprimanded. Other examples include the use of " language " in the presence of ladies. Now it is the " ladies " that use the language.
I have always been one for the sublime rather than direct confrontation. That is not to say I will not directly confront others with my own concerns. I most definitely will. It does cause me discomfort and unease. I do favor a more subtle approach. I also would much prefer a private setting. Discernment is a prerequisite to the observation of propriety. Is there also a lack of discernment in todays' society ? I will have to answer, most assuredly. That leads us right back to what I feel is the root problem. A lack of propriety. How is one expected to discern what is proper, or what is unacceptable, if there are no comparisons ? Conformity has become a dirty word. The adherence to societal norms has fallen out of favor. Why should this be so ? Perhaps it is because it requires restraint,discernment, and an observation of the proprieties. It is far easier to make excuses for our behaviors rather than to correct them. It is far easier to ignore than to observe.
Is obedience to a moral and ethical code a sign of weakness ? I certainly don't think so. I know that it requires effort and due diligence. Could it be that is also related to the decline of the religious ? Immediate wants are now taking precedence over the long range goal ? The question there is, what is the goal ? Is the goal self fulfillment, or making a positive contribution to society in general ? It would seem that is what governs our behaviors, the answer to that question.
I will say I often fail in my attempt to fulfill my ambition. I am like everyone else. I am just a person. The first step is awareness. With the advance of the years my awareness has been raised. I am beginning to feel a sense urgency. I'll keep trying.
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