right without reward

  Right without reward. It was something I was taught as a child. I had no idea that it was a whole school of philosophy. I suspect those teaching that lesson had no idea either. Most of the adages and proverbs I heard came from the Bible, either directly and paraphrased in some fashion. I wasn't aware of that either, for the most part. It wasn't until I grew older and began reading about subjects on my own that I discovered that. I have to say, it doesn't really make a difference as far as believing the lessons. I will say I was surprised to learn that many of the things my father had said where said by Aristotle, Socrates, and other famous ancient Greeks. They just said it differently, but the meaning was the same. 

 Those ancient philosophers spoke about many topics, it is, after all, what they did. Pretty good job in my opinion, just thinking about stuff. I'm not sure how they survived, charity I suppose. But that isn't important anyway, I was just being glib. It has been my observation some folks are just naturally more philosophical than others. It's my thinking though that you can't learn philosophy, you can only read about it. The actual ability to philosophize, if that is the correct way of putting that, is an inherent trait. I liken it things like playing a guitar, you can read about it, you can practice it, but most will never be an Eric Clapton. It's the same with artists, mechanics and plumbers too! I just feel like the ability to repeat what someone else already said really isn't much of a talent. That in itself is something I have noticed since I started writing. I expressed that by saying, "there isn't much you can say that someone hasn't said before." And I'm not the first to say that either. 

 The challenge, for all of us, is to do right without reward. The problem is, we all want a reward. Even when it comes to religious belief, the whole instruction received from whatever God or Gods include a promise of reward. The difference being the willingness to wait for that reward. Einstein said, " If people are only good because they fear punishment, and hope for reward, then we are a sorry lot indeed." It has also been said, virtue is its' own reward. It is understanding the joy in virtue that brings true contentment. And contentment is what we all subconsciously seek. Suffering and happiness are the extremes, contentment is where we should make our homes. To live your life content, knowing you have done right, is the reward. It isn't an external thing, rather a internal one. It isn't something you get, it is something you have. 

 But we are taught to not be content. We should always strive for something better. To be content is to be lazy. Improvement is what we are told, we should continually attempt to improve things. If you are of a religious bent that is rather an ironic thing. God created all things and we are supposed to improve upon that? Seems like a rather impossible task to me. The reality is we are all trying to be more comfortable. to make life easier, more convenient, and gain a measure of respect from others in the process. We are constantly striving to make things better, in the hope of reward, either for ourselves, or from others. Then we say, we earned that. The reason is obvious enough if we but think about it. Contentment stems from labor, not from reward. Perhaps that is why we see those that are so "successful" live a life of destruction. They are not content, they haven't received the reward, because they withhold the reward from themselves. They are fixated on something more. 

 I think Einstein got it right. If we only do right in the hope for reward we are a sorry lot. In the Bible Mathew says, do not practice your righteousness in front of men to be seen by them for you will not receive your reward in heaven if you do that. That's paraphrased, but the meaning is clear, righteousness is rewarded in heaven. A reward will  be forthcoming. Still, we should do what is right without the expectation of reward, in this case, because God directs you to do so. The Bible is filled with promises of reward, after your death, in fact, it promises life. All the other major religions promise the same. I don't believe that is the message however, I believe the message is really, do what is right without reward, and you will be rewarded. Just don't do it for the reward. Alexander Pope is attributed with writing, " Blessed is he who expects nothing, for he shall never be disappointed." I understand that sentiment exactly and concur. I also don't believe that is possible. Right without reward? About as plausible as improving on what God has made. Contentment is possible when we understand that virtue is the reward, not the act that generated that reward .