Two Rules

I realized due to an issue that came up recently, one that required some reflection, that I really only have two rules to guide me; and, on further reflection, that they both appear in John Wayne movies. That should probably be embarrassing for someone who has spent so much time with philosophy; I endorse Stoicism and obviously Aristotelian ideas about virtue. Still, in practical action, it comes down to these two things.

Hondo:

1. "Well, a long time ago I made me a rule. I let people do what they want to do."

The Shootist: 

2. “I won't be wronged. I won't be insulted. I won't be laid a-hand on. I don't do these things to other people, and I require the same from them.”

I had two rules for my son, too, when he was coming up. They were easier to remember. 

1. No whining.
2. Grow stronger.

Maybe it's helpful if an ethical code is distilled. 
on

5 comments:

  1. E Hines5:54 PM

    Maybe it's helpful if an ethical code is distilled.

    Lots of folks do seem to need bumper stickers more than thought. Those do seem excessively distilled, though.

    Eric Hines

    ReplyDelete
  2. Grim6:10 PM

    The bumper stickers, or the John Wayne quotes?

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thomas Doubting8:54 PM

    Jesus distilled the law down to two rules, as I recall. Having both the full thing and the in-the-moment distillation is probably useful. Which you need depends on what you're doing.

    ReplyDelete
  4. E Hines9:13 PM

    The bumper stickers.

    Eric Hines

    ReplyDelete
  5. Grim9:16 PM

    Jesus’ are probably better than mine. I meant this as descriptive rather than prescriptive; this is just how I do behave, not probably how I ought to. But that’s what confession is for.

    ReplyDelete