Fables.
One of my greatest enjoyments as a child was to dip into a lovely, illustrated copy of Aesop’s Fables. Now, as a grown up it is interesting to see that so many stories clearly contrast the different sides of complex moral decisions. After reading The Frogs Desire a King it occurred to me that there is a much wider moral point than the obvious apparent confronting issue. The majority of frogs were content with their lives but some insisted that they needed a king to direct them and keep order. Zeus granted their wish and sent a giant log as their king. At first they were alarmed but soon showed no respect and hopped all over the log. Then they demanded a more active regent but this annoyed Zeus who next time sent a large stork who immediately began gobbling up the frogs.
It is from this simple fable that several different more philosophical points are raised. Should you rely on others to decide what is right or wrong? Might it be best to be careful what you wish for and perhaps not be too quick to adjust the status quo or to make moral decisions that can affect everyone.
Fables are a good method of highlighting constant dangers and pitfalls in life. In so many situations deciding the right moral choice is a difficult process. Remaining objective and impartial is not always apt and even if one reaches as balanced view as applicable to the specific scenario, it can be hard not to be influenced by conflicting views. All too often trying to please all, will not satisfy anyone. Making good moral choices is a part of learning and of course some mistakes may occur with gaining experience. Wisdom is a much sought after gift.
The world is full of so many ideas and authorities that offer sublime victory for an ultimate goal. Do you know your own personal sense of conscience? It can be easy to answer affirmatively but get a bit tied up later on down the line. How comfortable would you be, for example, if the demands necessary to succeed offend your own moral judgement?
Choosing what is morally right in a given situation is an individual decision and that can be why people of the same philosophy can come to very different conclusions. An ideal absolute moral right or wrong is theoretical but not always practical in the real world.
It is a sad fact that many institutions who proclaim moral superiority are more interested in self-preservation than addressing their own moral shortcomings.
What is the point of fables if the wider consequences are not taken into consideration? An easily recognised moral is not to lie and not just because your nose will get longer as evidenced with Pinocchio. What if telling the truth will cause others harm? There may be ways of avoiding a direct lie but that can be a means for individual determination.
Surely morals motivate the good of society. It can indicate the need for further thought and not a less mindful structure of behaviour that is blindly followed with no concern for the result. My take on Fables, well it has to be that they enhance your wider look at everyday issues and they can make a mighty impression on how you think about what you might already know!
It is from this simple fable that several different more philosophical points are raised. Should you rely on others to decide what is right or wrong? Might it be best to be careful what you wish for and perhaps not be too quick to adjust the status quo or to make moral decisions that can affect everyone.
Fables are a good method of highlighting constant dangers and pitfalls in life. In so many situations deciding the right moral choice is a difficult process. Remaining objective and impartial is not always apt and even if one reaches as balanced view as applicable to the specific scenario, it can be hard not to be influenced by conflicting views. All too often trying to please all, will not satisfy anyone. Making good moral choices is a part of learning and of course some mistakes may occur with gaining experience. Wisdom is a much sought after gift.
The world is full of so many ideas and authorities that offer sublime victory for an ultimate goal. Do you know your own personal sense of conscience? It can be easy to answer affirmatively but get a bit tied up later on down the line. How comfortable would you be, for example, if the demands necessary to succeed offend your own moral judgement?
Choosing what is morally right in a given situation is an individual decision and that can be why people of the same philosophy can come to very different conclusions. An ideal absolute moral right or wrong is theoretical but not always practical in the real world.
It is a sad fact that many institutions who proclaim moral superiority are more interested in self-preservation than addressing their own moral shortcomings.
What is the point of fables if the wider consequences are not taken into consideration? An easily recognised moral is not to lie and not just because your nose will get longer as evidenced with Pinocchio. What if telling the truth will cause others harm? There may be ways of avoiding a direct lie but that can be a means for individual determination.
Surely morals motivate the good of society. It can indicate the need for further thought and not a less mindful structure of behaviour that is blindly followed with no concern for the result. My take on Fables, well it has to be that they enhance your wider look at everyday issues and they can make a mighty impression on how you think about what you might already know!
No comments have been added yet.
