Ethically, what is your primary motivation?

Question

We all like to think we're ethical, I'd like to know what motivates you and why you value it above other ethics.

I will always choose the best answer, it's my question and can differ from my own view if it's well reasoned. Also, all forums attract a greater proportion of *bunny boilers* than are in the general population, i ain't going to let that be a factor.

Lol, money has nothing to do with ethics PVT, hope i get some better answers. =)

Wow!!! You rock EnlightenedSista, a very appropriate name. =)

Very interesting answer Guru, think it could be argued that a lie in certain circs might be an ethical choice tho.

Answer 1

My spirit motivates me. That inner voice that some call intuition, that tells me what is right and what is wrong. I try to live a positive life based on respect, compassion and love for all. I treat others as I want to be treated and spiritually speaking, I feel we are all One anyway. So when I help another, I am essentially helping myself in the process.

Answer 2

When you learn the negative effects of having ethics, your interest in having them and making ethical judgments will decline. You will experience more happiness as a result. Moralists and ethicists suffer the most emotional turmoil in life.

I follow what my needs are at any given moment. Right and wrong, are irrelevant.

I would for example, lie to protect you and feel no guilt over doing so. Lying is unethical. I don't care. If someone where out to harm you and were stalking you. I would lie to them and assist you with that information.

I could be ethical and tell the truth, but then you could be harmed. I think you would likely prefer me to be unethical and lie in that situation -- as well as many others.

Answer 3

Ethics are a principle of right or good conduct or a body of such principles. since the greatest, longest job I have performed is that of being a mother, it was my motivation to raise honest, diligent, loyal, sincere children. The greatest of these attributes, for me, is honesty. If you have it, you are loyal, trustworthy, sincere, a good friend, a good lover, a generous person (not necessarily monetary generous, but in thought, word and deed).
My generation was one of excess...an anything goes type of mentality. I was raised by an old, French grandmother, who instilled these very ethics into me, and where others have seen much misfortune from their children, I have had very little with mine, or with my life, for that matter.
I am not trying to color it rose....yes, things have gone wrong, there have been hardships and setbacks...but...and this is a huge but....I have survived, and been satisfied with MYSELF. No matter what anyone else sees, it is my own face I must look at in the mirror, and see, know, what dwells behind.

Answer 4

Well, I'm not sure I would call it ethical, as much as logical. But although it's simply logical, I feel passionate about it.

1:If it weren't for life we'd have nothing to do, and no matter who you are, you ARE going to DIE trying at life, so you may as well give it your all.

If life has a meaning, and everything is predetermined, then whatever is meant to happen will work out perfectly, so no need to sweat small mistakes.

If life is just a big accident with no real purpose, then I'll be dead one day, so no need to sweat small mistakes.

For that matter, big ones either.

I'll be dead one day, and it is incredibly important to point that out to myself every single day. Being aware of my mortality is what keeps me feeling so alive. Ironically, focusing on the end result of life, keeps me very much living in the moment.

Answer 5

My primary motivation is to make a difference in the life of another. I faced so many challenges and overcame them all. Now I want to help others overcome their challenges as well. I have a great deal of joy in my life and want to share with others how I have that joy. I don't just answer questions in Y/A for their two point value, but I really want to answer others' questions to get them to think. These are the things that motivates me.

Answer 6

I'm a stickler for recycling, I recycle as much as I can. Partially this is becasue I object to land fill and partially because I am a chemist and I know what migrates out of waste and into the ground. I'm a big one for 'reuse rather than recycle' too and I pioneer all the reuse/recycling at work. I am delighted as we used to throw away 3 bags of rubbish a day, we are down to about half a bag now

Answer 7

My Achievements
The feeling of success motivates me to work hard so that I can continue to achieve.

My Under-achievements
The feeling of NOT succeeding motivates me to work hardER so that I can progress and achieve.

Which motivates me more?
- I'd probably say 50/50 - depending on the situation and the cause. Both are motivational for me! If I had to chose one, I would say the successes. Because, with success comes expectation.

Thank You!!

Answer 8

The thing that motivates me, is empathy.
Above all things, my efforts to understand others and their feelings is something we all could attempt a little more often than we currently are, I have never found this to be a negative thing.

Answer 9

Ethics means maintaining harmony in the universe. If you perform acts to try to maintain harmony that is ethical. Acts that disrupt the harmony (lack of compassion, cruelty, etc) disrupt harmony, inclduing your own.

Answer 10

Fairness,
I know it sounds bland, but I try to be fair in everything I do, using it as a guideline against all my actions and the action of others it always benefits me.