Since Ethics is about creating value in human interactions, if I can be of service I am creating some value and therefore I am being ethical. If I can boost you up in some way, such as giving you a well0deserved compliment, I am being ethical.
It is not enough just to avoid doing harm or even being kind and thoughtful: if one is to be ethical one is to grow (in a moral sense.) That means one is to add to his/her repertoire new moral principles, and is to live by them. One then expresses these standards in action. One’s conduct reflects them. Thus an ethical person throughout life alters his conduct in a moral direction. Thus one becomes increasingly-more ethical with the passage of time.
An ethical person lives responsibly, purposefully, has individuality. He or she respects life, at least mammalian life. S/he has humility, and balance; balances work-life and leisure. S/he believes human life is significant, and works on or supports social policies that reduce predation, and extreme inequality. S/he believes that no one is superior or inferior to anyone else. No one is entitled to rule over others, nor to manipulate them, nor exploit them.
An ethical individual is considerate of others and avoids being too self-centered, avoids being selfish. When one is ethical he observes moderation. Thus he neither overvalues nor under-values: he will be careful to neither over-do nor under-do, yet he will get something worthwhile done. He hates violence and war and will decline to take part in such activity. {The one exception is if his country has been invaded.} He loves justice and kindness.
In contrast, those with sick minds may have a personality disorder and show it by being narcissistic, authoritarian, lying compulsively – all of which are a matter of degree. They, and others, may conduct themselves as predators. They can behave in an evil manner. There are a small percentage of the population who are madmen, are fiendish or diabolical.
Children, before they mature, can be vengeful: they, as if by reflex, impose on others the lowest form of justice: retribution. They will do this on one who they believe has wronged them (done them some harm.) They say to themselves: “You harm me, I throw you a punch or a slap. Or maybe I’ll just push you away.” Retaliation is often seen in 4-to-8 year olds who have not been raised to be ethical. Once a kid matures, develops human-relationship skills, he or she seeks a higher form of justice when wronged. Forms of justice that are higher – more-valuable than mere tit-for-tat – are redemption, reconciliation, negotiation, and creative sentencing by a wise judge.
Your comments are most welcome! Any thoughts on these topics?