Standards.
There are elements in life that make it possible to live with each other, as a society, as a couple, and with ourselves during this journey we call our "life." Without them there is no order, no solid commitment to one another, no self esteem. It puts us, mankind if you will, above the other creatures of this planet.
I call them "Standards."
We must, as adults, hold to standards of behavior. We must teach them to our children, and insist these standards are upheld by our brethren, and our leaders. One can make a long list, but essentially, they boil down to about five.
1) Fidelity; to friends and spouses, have virtue.
2) Honesty; in all dealings.
3) Integrity; Truthfulness and keeping promises.
4) Selflessness; To put the interest of others before oneself, and to forgive generously.
5) Respect; To laws of the society, and to each other.
Standards are not malleable, fungible, or amendable. They must be universal, equally applied, and rock solid. There can be no equivocation or they are worthless. The compromise of any one of them weakens each of the others.
"Live an honorable life with truth and virtue. Do this so that when you become older, you can be proud as you visit your memories."
Francis Klassman
Teacher Extraordinaire'
May, 1964