I Think It Makes A Difference...Don't You?
Regarding personal ethics, IMNSHO, there are two kinds of "good" people.
The first kind of person maintains a high standard of behavior, mainly because to do otherwise could subject him to criminal prosecution, loss of employment, loss of home and family, peer criticism, or social ostracization. You can trust this person as long as he knows he will be found out if he proves to be untrustworthy.
The second kind of person maintains a high standard of behavior, just because it is the right thing to do, regardless of who sees him, who knows about it, or what the consequences might be. You can trust this person with anything, anytime, anywere.
There do seem to be more of the first kind in the world, but it still annoys me when I think someone is the second kind of person, and he turns out to be the first kind.
The first kind of person maintains a high standard of behavior, mainly because to do otherwise could subject him to criminal prosecution, loss of employment, loss of home and family, peer criticism, or social ostracization. You can trust this person as long as he knows he will be found out if he proves to be untrustworthy.
The second kind of person maintains a high standard of behavior, just because it is the right thing to do, regardless of who sees him, who knows about it, or what the consequences might be. You can trust this person with anything, anytime, anywere.
There do seem to be more of the first kind in the world, but it still annoys me when I think someone is the second kind of person, and he turns out to be the first kind.
0
-
A person that is nice to you, but rude to a waiter, is not a nice person. 0 -
I don't equate criminal backgrounds with a lack of trustworthiness. I've seen too many cases where the police and prosecutor simply find a guy that the crime can fit without a lot of trouble. I've seen a lot of guys get convicted for doing the morally right thing as opposed to following the letter of the law. The epiphany came to me when I needed a few assistant coaches for the little girls softball team. Only stipulation was no criminal records. Turned out everyone I would trust around a bunch of young girls were all convicted felons while the guys with no criminal records were such lowlifes I wouldn't let them near a young lady unsupervised. 0 -
Well I don't rent to druggies, thieves or felons. Not the kind of people I want to do business with. I am not trusting their behavior to pay the rent. All my tenants have clear records and pay on time. Been working that way for quite some time and I won't upset the applecart. Funny when the background check is done how upset some will get and show their true side. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by bigdaddyjunior
I don't equate criminal backgrounds with a lack of trustworthiness. I've seen too many cases where the police and prosecutor simply find a guy that the crime can fit without a lot of trouble. I've seen a lot of guys get convicted for doing the morally right thing as opposed to following the letter of the law. The epiphany came to me when I needed a few assistant coaches for the little girls softball team. Only stipulation was no criminal records. Turned out everyone I would trust around a bunch of young girls were all convicted felons while the guys with no criminal records were such lowlifes I wouldn't let them near a young lady unsupervised.
Just my 2 cents worth, but the convicted felons most likely have had a lot of informal training in how to project the best image they possible can. An image that may make them appear to others that despite their criminal history, they are in fact just really nice guys. In contast, the other men you mention without a criminal history, may not be acting or putting up a front. It might be that the second group is showing you who they really are whereas the first group is fooling you.
Kinda like a big dog that acts nice but will jump at the chance to seriously bite you while a better, calmer and more gentle dog will usually growl when he wants to warn you to back off.
JMHO If any street cops that have learned this (if indeed true) please chime in an let me know if my observations are correct.0 -
i think if u say ur a #2... you must b a #1. #2's would never admit they are anything but a regular joe. 0 -
There...That's better. Please continue.[:)] 0 -
Right on nunn!![:)][;)] 0 -
I know I'm the second kind. I stick to my guns and do what I feel is right even when peer pressure is against me. I don't care who I piss off in the process, because I feel good about myself when I do the right thing. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by nunn
Regarding personal ethics, IMNSHO, there are two kinds of "good" people.
The first kind of person maintains a high standard of behavior, mainly because to do otherwise could subject him to criminal prosecution, loss of employment, loss of home and family, peer criticism, or social ostracization. You can trust this person as long as he knows he will be found out if he proves to be untrustworthy.
The second kind of person maintains a high standard of behavior, just because it is the right thing to do, regardless of who sees him, who knows about it, or what the consequences might be. You can trust this person with anything, anytime, anywere.
There do seem to be more of the first kind in the world, but it still annoys me when I think someone is the second kind of person, and he turns out to be the first kind.
I've been fooled more than once, and even by family. It's sad to say there are some who are not honest folks. My dad told me the only thing you can take to the grave is your good name, but it takes a lifetime of good work to do so.0 -
quote:Originally posted by cartod
A person that is nice to you, but rude to a waiter, is not a nice person.
Bingo!!0 -
quote:Originally posted by MT357
quote:Originally posted by cartod
A person that is nice to you, but rude to a waiter, is not a nice person.
Bingo!!
agreed!!!! screw people who are mean to thier waiters/waitress!!!!0 -
The word for the "second kind" is "integrity".
That means doing the right thing for its own sake (ie even if nobody is watching and would ever know the difference).
And I hate to ruin your child-like naivete, particularly of a dedicated law enforcement officer [:p] but almost everyone who falls into the second category of having integrity will occasionally fall into the first under certain circumstances.
Some people come close, but nobody is 100% honest, truthful, law-abiding, kind, charitable, selfless, etc, all the time. Humans are intrinsically flawed, and there is a spectrum of behavior with people all throughout.
What was that bit about casting the first stone?
I have yet to meet the individual who was 100% honest, and I sure as heck fall short of the mark personally!
Also, its entirely possible for a person to consistently display integrity in one area, but not in others. Again, humans are complex.0 -
Maybe I am naive to a point, but I do expect a peace officer to have integrity. I have been disappointed more than once, however. It is never a good thing. [:(] 0
Please sign in to leave a comment.
Comments
43 comments