Abby Ausburn, Second Place Four Way Test Essay Winner, $750.00
Abby Ausburn, Second place winner, $750.00
Ethical standards are the basis from which society is built. Simply applying these said basic ethical standards, all of which are supported by the Rotary Club and the Four-Way Test, can promote honesty and friendship and result in goodwill for all. I continuously strive to reach new personal highs of ethical standards high and test my decisions based on the Four-Way Test by constantly considering honesty and the benefits or consequences for all involved.
Truth and honesty are vital to any person of high ethical standards. Theoretical physicist Albert Einstein once said, “Anyone who doesn't take truth seriously in small matters cannot be trusted in large ones either,” – quite a remarkably insightful and a moral idea I like to keep in mind as I make decisions, especially those regarding my choice of words. Having high ethical standards can be as simple as considering the importance of truthfulness in the things I say or messages which I pass along, which can make an exceedingly great difference. Honesty is crucial to building and maintaining better, healthier, trusting relationships in my personal life.
Fairness is more than simply who gets the biggest piece of the pie for me: It’s about the manner in which I treat those surrounding me while striving for equality all in the same time. I thoroughly believe all deserve a fair chance to contribute ideas and an opportunity for a fair share of whatever, whether it is time or actual goods.
Honesty and fairness are quintessential contributors to building goodwill and supporting superior friendships. Considering the effects of my actions towards the goodwill for all is exceptionally significant in my personal decision making. Benevolence and friendship go hand-in-hand with each other. Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary defines goodwill as a “Kindly feeling of approval and support: benevolent interest or concern” and lists goodwill as a synonym of friendship. If goodwill is “approval and support,” then general goodwill is imperative to friendship. I strive to pursue activities and make valuable decisions that will ultimately support far-reaching goodwill. By supporting goodwill, I am able to build better and stronger relationships.
If there is honesty and fairness, leading to building goodwill and better relationships, the decision will most often be beneficial to all concerned. It is exceptionally important for me to consider the manner in which my choices and actions will affect all involved. An honest, respectful member of society acts in a style that is best for the greater good of not just those directly involved, but for the greater good of all. By considering the long-reaching effects of my particular decisions for myself as well as others and society as a whole, I continue to raise my personal ethical standards.
Without principled, moral standards, even the strongest members of society could not contribute well to building goodwill. Through raising my standards for making respectable decisions by referring to the Four-Way Test, I can better contribute to the overall well-being and goodwill of the community and society in which I live.