Principles
We use words like principle, conscience, and truth so loosely today. We claim to have these things, but our actions tell a very different narrative.
We use words like principle, conscience, and truth so loosely today. We claim to have these things, but our actions tell a very different narrative.
When it comes to principles, believing we have and abide by them doesn’t make it so. To live a truly principled and moral life requires making a conscious effort. This isn’t suggesting that we, as human beings, are inherently unprincipled or immoral, but we are very easily manipulatable. That is our nature. We can be programmed into thinking, believing and behaving wrongly. All it takes is a change of phrasing. Incorrect and harmful ideas can be twisted and euphemized in order to trick us into mindsets and behaviors that are completely out of line with true goodness. Then we carry on with our lives, thinking we’re doing the right thing; and as a result, we perpetuate suffering for ourselves and others.
We’re also encouraged to sacrifice any principles we do have in the name of “progress” and “success.” I’ve been told numerous times that I may have to do things I don’t want to do in order to survive and thrive. In other words, I must put aside my moral principles if I want to be financially comfortable; and then I may have to “bite my tongue” and “go along to get along” just to keep a job. The problem is, that’s the general requirement in this system today. You cannot have any true principles and live by them within most vocations. Some things are inescapable such as individually opting out of this system entirely. We have to live as true to our principles as we can, and a huge part of that is consistently saying NO to it. We have to resist and reject as much of it as possible, even if that means having to endure a period of suffering.
If your job requires you to do things that violate your conscience, quit that job. If that big career you’re after requires you to engage in or support theft, deception and coercion, abandon it. I understand how hard that can be. I understand the consequences can be rough for you and/or your family, but remember – principles are First Things. They must come before everything else. When you sacrifice them in the name of comfort and financial success you’re basically spitting on them. You’re putting erroneous notions above truth. You’re putting material wealth above moral correctness. You’re putting the ego above the soul.
When the majority of human beings think, believe and behave out of alignment with truth and morality, the inevitable result will always be suffering. When we fail to stand firm in these things we are abdicating them to some external force – a force that only seeks to control and enslave. To forfeit one’s own conscience and first principles is to forfeit one’s own sovereignty and freedom. You’re trading your mind, body and soul for fleeting pleasures and temporary bliss.
While it may seem counterintuitive to resist these worldly comforts and conveniences, it is the only way to ensure true progress and evolution – for yourself and for our species as a whole. Staying true to moral principles doesn’t mean you have to give up what you love to do (unless what you love to do is evil). While it may be stressful at first within this system, you’ll find that the universe notices. You’ll soon realize that Right Livelihood doesn’t close doors without opening ten more.
Educate yourself further on what true principles are. Immerse yourself in the knowledge of Natural Law. Some call it Spiritual Law, Karma, or The Golden Rule. It’s also been known as Consequentialism or the Law of Cause & Effect. It is the Principle of Principles. It’s the most occulted secret of all secret societies. It is the ultimate key to success, prosperity, sovereignty and freedom. Live by that and you’ll wonder why you ever chose any other path.
As a closing note, understand that this isn’t about perfection. There’s no such thing in this physical domain. We’re all going to make mistakes and poor choices. Harm and chaos are always possible. Let these things be teachers. They teach us through apophasis what not to do.
This is simply about making a willful, conscious choice in conscience; a conscious choice to cause the least amount of harm possible; a conscious choice of the right over the wrong no matter the temporary consequences. We do that by putting principles first. If I can do it, so can you.
Recommended Reading:
• Right Is Might – Richard Wetherill
• Be Right Or Go Wrong – E. Marie Bothé
• End Of All Evil – Jeremy Locke
• The Stellar Man – John Baines
• The Metaphysics Of Morals – Immanuel Kant