WHAT CAN WE DO AS INDIVIDUALS TO MAKE THE WORLD MORE CONDUCIVE TO LIVING NOBLY

It is part of a good man to do great and noble deeds, though he risk everything. Plutarch

How do I define "a good man?" Integrity? Perseverance? Compassion? Loyalty? Is Plutarch's definition good enough to encompass all these things? I feel it is, but that we must also take the time to understand what living nobly in life means. Several centuries ago, living nobly was idealized in the lives of those who did good deeds--knights, saints, and others who showed compassion, benevolence, and love towards others. Over the years, however, living nobly has become something that is seen as poor and unbecoming... at times even mocked. Therefore, risking everything no longer means simply risking our possessions and our time; it now includes risking our favor with others, our friendships, our respect and the esteem of others. This may seem daunting... but this is what is required of a good man.

We each have the ability to "do great and noble deeds," to risk it all because that is who we are and how we define ourselves. One day I will be faced with death. And when that time comes, I want to be able to look back on my life and be proud of what I have done and how I have lived; I want to see a world that is a better place for everyone, not in spite of my existence, but as a result thereof. Today's Challenge: Perform several good deeds for others today with no thought of reward.

Questions to consider:

Why are so few of us ever taught the idea of living a noble life? What sort of things might keep you from striving to be a good man or woman? What can we do as individuals to make the world more conducive to living nobly?

For further thought:

Men do not care how nobly they live, but only for how long, although it is within the reach of every man to live nobly, but within no man's power to live long. Seneca