We, as humans, have shaped our world, setting the standards of what we deem right and wrong. These moral constructs, however, are often detached from the broader context of the universe. This divergence ushers in a paradox wherein we judge human actions with a sense of absolute certainty. We cling to the belief that right and wrong are immutable truths, inherent in the fabric of existence.
Our conviction in our moral beliefs often stems from our emotional attachment to them. The stronger we feel about an issue, the more resolute we become in asserting its authenticity.
When we select employees based on gender or ethnicity, we are making decisions based on variables that individuals cannot control. Ascribing importance to a specific group based on such variables essentially undermines the notion of equality. This discriminatory practice veers dangerously close to the realm of fascism, highlighting the paradox inherent in our judgment and moral standards.
Another interesting aspect of our moral compass is the propensity to apply our current values retrospectively to humanity’s past. Viewing history through the lens of contemporary morality can lead to a sense of unwarranted superiority. We tend to project our current understanding onto past societies, forgetting that our evolutionary path as a social species might not align perfectly with our modern sensibilities. It’s crucial to remember that our interpretation of the past is often distorted, as we can never truly grasp how it felt to exist in a different era.
Lastly, the abundance of time in our modern lives often leads to the invention of new moral codes, more as a means of social posturing than genuine ethical progression. The phrase “holier than thou” seems to lose its significance in this context, as individuals fail to recognize their own hypocrisy. They may espouse high moral standards, declaring themselves paragons of virtue, yet their actions may contradict their claims. For instance, they might condemn exploitation but continue to purchase clothing produced in sweatshops or food sourced from near-slavery conditions. This dichotomy underscores the complexity and inherent contradictions in our system of morality and judgment.