Moral Code of Ethics: Overview

(I always say I hold myself to “higher moral code” than most people. But I realized I never explicitly said what that means. So here is my first attempt to write my creed of beliefs. I am sure I will come back to this many times.)

I believe in human dignity and that every human has the innate right to shelter, food, education, and water. Under this belief, I also believe that all human beings deserve a proper burial and respectful death. I do not believe in masquerading dead bodies, no matter whose body it is. I do not believe in murder of any kind, other than mercy killing. Without the consent of the human being, I do not believe it is right or just to take another’s life.

I believe in choice. I believe one human being cannot tell another what to do with their body in ANY form. (By this I mean that I am “pro-choice” but also I’d like point out that I am also “anti-abortion.” While I, myself, do not believe abortion is the best choice, I understand and respect the reasons for why a person might want one and do not think it’s my place to tell them what to do with their own bodies. I do not think abortion is murder as I believe life is not established until birth)

I believe in freedom of thought. I will not impose my beliefs on anyone else’s and will respect every other ideology, religion, and etc so as long as it does directly go against my code of ethics. I respect all opinions even if I viciously disagree with them.

I believe in morality for the sake of morality. For example, I choose to do the right thing because it is the right thing to do. Not because of some promised paradise or nirvana, etc. I choose to follow my moral code ethics regardless of the existence of a deity. Whether or not there is a deity, I will live my life as such out of my respect for humanity.

I believe in the value of being honest and will try my best to be as honest as I can. This includes but is not limited to telling the truth, never stealing, etc.

I believe in the pursuit of dreams. I will not mock another’s dreams no matter what.

I believe in moderation.

I believe in control over one’s emotions. This can stem from meditation in whichever form (meditation, silence, yoga…I choose to be alone for at least an hour everyday in which I am with my thoughts and music). I believe in avoiding anger as well deep sadness to the best of my abilities. At my best I believe I should be between deep contemplation and emotionally void. I believe in maintaining a calm demeanor even in the most stressful situations.

I believe in reason and will not make a decision without rationally considering the options. This will even include “simple” decisions such as whether or not I am monogamous and if my partner is the best match for me.

I believe in the healing powers of music, literature, writing, and art.

I believe in the preservation of the body. I believe self mutilation is immoral and not an appropriate path to inner peace. While I remain respectful of those who decide to do it as it is their decision and not mine, I believe that the body should be celebrated rather than destroyed. (To be clear I believe that tattoos and piercings are a forms of art work and therefore not mutilation)

On the note of the body should be celebrated: I do not believe in abstinence as in the long run it is damaging to the body. On that same note, I believe in celebrating sexuality rather than restraining and ignoring it. Again, because I believe in moderation, I personally will restrain from my definition of promiscuity but do not believe it to be immoral.

I believe in equal rights for women, the queer community, immigrants (across the globe), all religious identities, all gender identities, and all other marginalized groups across the globe.

I believe in peace. I do not believe violence solves anything or works towards peace. I do not support war, ever. War solves nothing. It only proves who has stronger brute force. With that said, I respect every soldier who goes out into the battlefield and risks his or her life for his or her country. My problem is not with the army as those are just "men taking orders." My problem is with war and the politicians who demand it. (I will write out my Moral Code of Ethics: Politics later)

I believe in freedom. Slavery in all of its forms is immoral.

I believe in fighting for my beliefs in whatever forum I can. (I choose writing and volunteering)

I believe in the power of education. People can change if they can learn why and how whatever action they are doing is wrong.