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Every day we make decisions that have long-term consequences for ourselves, for others, and for our planet. Often we must choose between meeting our own needs and doing what seems best for the world around us. But we continually need to make choices despite uncertainty about what may be the right course of action. Even doing nothing is a choice.

The tenets of ethical behavior are found in all major societies and religions. The basis upon which we make daily decisions - our everyday ethics - goes to the very heart of what it means to be civilized. But because every situation is different from every other we must search for guidelines to help us make the right choice.

Ethical behavior goes beyond the golden rule. It’s about understanding that our actions affect not only our own lives, but the lives of those around us. It’s about seeing how our actions move our world closer to – or farther from – the kind of place we want it to be. Ethical action includes asking: “What are the possible consequences of what we do to others and our planet, and thus to ourselves.”

Actions that seem to be to our advantage in the moment often are revealed to be against our best interests over the course of time. An impulsive or angry remark can ruin a relationship – personal or professional. Strategies that bring gains to some players in the short term may bring down the house of cards on all, including those who pursue profits by dubious means. Even the way we drive - or discard our trash - has an impact on our planet and thus on ourselves.

Although ethical behavior is often considered well-thought-out action, spontaneity and intuition still play an important role. And we can never predict with certainty how anyone will respond to our actions, no matter how well-intentioned. But when our decisions are made from a ground-of-being of respect for our fellow beings and the world around us, we are more likely to act in a way that improves our world.

One area of action is the interpersonal. We do our best to feed, clothe and shelter ourselves and our families. But as we look at the wider circles around us – friends, coworkers, acquaintances, and strangers - our responsibilities becomes less clear. Often it is hard to see how our actions toward those at a distance affect us. In interactions with others do we express only our own thoughts and feelings or consider the feelings of others? Do we say what we think others want to hear or state the truth as we see it?

In our work, we must decide whether only to seek immediate gain for ourselves and our employer, or to consider the possibility that our actions may harm others. If we make our living in sales, for example, do we focus only on today’s profits or do we market quality goods and services that may lead to customer loyalty in the long term? If we are bankers or real estate agents, do we look solely at commissions or do we consider the goodwill that might come from helping customers find loans they can afford?

In the realm of government, those who representative us must choose whether to consider only the interests of those who lobby them, or to balance the needs of all of their constituents. Should our country stand for established ethical standards of behavior, or should we broaden those standards when we feel threatened as a nation? Should our leaders avoid contact with countries we don’t like, or promote respectful communication with all governments? Should we pursue international trade that benefits only us, or attempt to forge agreements that protect the rights of workers everywhere?

We try to live by the standards that we have learned from our past. But the only time we can act is in the present, and the only actions that we can control are our own. If we don’t want to live in a world where people continually act upon their anger then we must be aware when we are about to be overtaken by our own anger. If we want to live in a world where life is respected, then we must make a practice of valuing and protecting all forms of life, including people who are less fortunate and even those who we think deserve punishment.

The essence of ethical action is a willingness to move beyond the limits of our immediate universe and view as much of the big picture as possible. We are players in a large canvas where every story affects every other story. When we are respectful toward others and our environment we move toward a world of greater respect for ourselves. Recognizing the connection between our own needs and those of others makes it more likely that the essential needs of all are recognized and potentially met.

At times we act according to the dictates of our emotions, rather than our minds, and then we can only look back in regret at what we have done. But we can at any time choose to once again move in the direction of a compassionate and caring world by showing these qualities in our actions toward others. Blame and guilt ultimately lead to harm to others and ourselves. A spirit of forgiveness allows us to focus on our efforts toward the world we envision. We do not want to forget our history – as individuals or as a society - but dwelling on the past keeps us from focusing on our future. Recognizing the value of all human beings increases our experience of our own value. When we work in a spirit of cooperation with others and our world, we promote the most good for the largest number of people and increase the likelihood that our own world will become a better place.