Defining ethics is not too hard. It is usually considered the moral principles that control your conduct. However, to be ethical is a much more difficult task. Some might wonder why. How could following the rules be so challenging? How can a person even consider going astray from his/her moral core.
The reason ethics is challenging is because while most of the times it is easy, there are many moments where the answer is not black and white. For instance, everyone knows that stealing anything is illegal and immoral. Additionally, most people know never to impersonate anyone or falsify information. However, what if a small lie or falsity could save a life? What if the lie could save multiple lives? Does it make it okay? When is it okay to be unethical?
The answer may seem daunting at times but it should always be the same answer, never. As humans, we will always face times in our lives when things can get tough and we are left with two difficult choices. The key is to always stay true to ourselves. Do not let the ease of one unethical conduct sway you no matter what the gravity of the benefit. Once you go down the path of compromising your morals, you will find that it becomes easier and easier to justify inappropriate conduct. What started out as a “justifiable” act suddenly expands to more treacherous grounds.
The key in life is to find your moral compass and stick to it no matter what the situation or cost. This may not always make you friends but it will always allow you to sleep at night. It will always makes you certain that you are in the right. You never have to wonder if you did the right thing. Albert Einstein said it best, “relativity applies to physics, not ethics”.
Steve Haubrick is the MYSL/Murrieta Surf Soccer Club President. Should you have any questions about ethics or want to find out more details about soccer, feel free to contact me at president@murrietasurfsoccer.org
www.myslsoccer.org – www.murrietasurfsoccer.org