Understanding Ethical Behavior
Good behavior is about choosing the right alternative from several options when dealing with a situation. Some of these behaviors appear automatic as they are something we are habituated to doing. These behaviors may be habituated because of parenting, social environment, or schooling. While these may appear automatic right now, there may be years of behaving similarly so at this time the behavior is instinctive.
Sometimes, even when we behave differently we feel guilty and that feeling of remorse is there for not doing it differently. This is something that gnaws at us sometimes for days and weeks. Even when we recollect it later in life. So there is a strong psychological reason to make the right choices as it gives peace of mind.
It is also true, that based on good behavior we get good will, develop new friends and make a good reputation. These things do matter even in commercial transactions as the other party feels a person with ethical behavior is credible and reliable.
Though such thoughts are typically not encouraged when behaving in the right manner, it is quite obvious that good behavior is helpful in the long run. Only in situations where we typically do not meet the person again, then there is any gain in misbehaving. Not that most people think in that manner.
As much as we ignore it and try to be secular. The prevailing religion and law of the land shape the behaviors and determines what is ethical. In areas, where there is a strong tendency to eat vegetarian food – it is likely that eating meat may be considered unethical. So there are regional differences in ethics caused by the prevailing religion, social customs, and rules of the land.
At the same time, there are certain common things across all areas of the world – like respecting the rules of the land. For this reason, before traveling to a new geography it is better to learn the unique laws of that particular region. Certain behaviors are considered ethical only in a few regions of the world and are legally allowed. So again, people from such areas should be aware. Otherwise, they will land in trouble assuming the same is universal ethical behavior accepted by all parts of the world.
Those who follow ethical behaviors are respected and those who don’t are seen favorably. This is quite obvious and undeniable. Many things in life are needed to be mastered in order to be able to succeed against the challenges that life throws at us. For a long time, it is accepted that ethical behaviors should be molded in childhood. This has a strong benefit, as this will allow a person to focus on learning other livelihood-related skills and knowledge in their adulthood. Doing several things are one time is not only difficult, but they also cause a person to fail them.
Ethical human behavior is the minimum that most people would expect from others. Following ethical behaviors will lead to improvement in the social environment and lead to a better quality of life for everyone.
Read Hindu Sanathana Dharma articles – Samanya Dharma, Apad Dharma, Vishesha Dharma.
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