You know: I was born in a working-class family in an industrial village in western Canada. Like virtually all families of my generation, we were imbued with the deep-seated belief that we could make our lives better. This meant, in the main, economic improvement: but it also meant spiritual and intellectual growth, as well. There was a lot of emphasis placed on social decorum (I still feel compelled to stand up when a lady or an elderly person enters the room) and on the command of language; profanity, and its handmaiden verbal insults were considered failures of speech and successes of ignorance. I think that this is still true. We welcome the great orators that stir our hearts and inspire us to even greater heights. With the Internet and the general “leveling” of moral education, (1) however, there is increasingly a desire to find a new standard, a new caliber, and that benchmark is moving closer to the bottom than it is to the top.

The Chinese have taken a radically different approach to moral education: It is paradoxical that China, a nation that regards religion as superstition and has done much to eliminate and forbid religion in their country, should have a prominent place for moral education in its schools, while America, a nation that is based on religion and which promotes religious freedom, should neglect direct moral education in its schools. Neither nation teaches about God nor the laws and teachings of a higher power as reflected in a religion in its schools. China does not because it does not believe in or subscribe to either of these ideas and America does not in the name of religious freedom. China believes that good behavior and moral character are essential for proper individual conduct and a well-functioning society and therefore they are a required element of the school curriculum. America would agree that good behavior and moral character are essential, but tends to see these things as part of religion, and therefore not in the domain of the schools. This is faulty and dangerous thinking, especially as religious institutions in America are increasingly losing the hold on the minds and hearts of its people. The failure of any American institution, from the families to the national government, to properly train their young people in character and conduct is a serious omission that will directly undermine the well being of all levels of society. (2) This why there was not an outcry against this latest surge of abusive language, whatever the reason. We consider it normal: from our leaders, from our peers and, in the final analysis, from ourselves.

To my example: This week in one of my classes, I was asked what a “slimeball” was. (3) At first, I was taken aback. I have never used this expression in my life though I am aware what it means. Then slowly out of the ether of my consciousness came the realization that this slur had recently been tossed off by a god on Earth: arguably the most powerful individual on the planet. Wow! Where do we take it from here? The answer is only up. Now that we have truly reached the bottom and are wallowing in it, we can begin to inculcate our world with a higher quality of life: the arts, intelligent discussion and warm relationships in the Common Good are presented in front of us. But it must come from each of us. Every individual must feel responsible to stop this “filth.”

It is as if we stand on an enormous quay. In front of us is an ocean-going vessel that will take us to a magical place: the land of critical thinking, where everyone is naturally willing to learn to contemplate and reflect. We are faced with two very clear choices. One has to decide. If you opt to stay on the shore in the land of “ooz” (4) and choose to accept this behavior as normal and, in fact, understandable, (5) you have stated that we are but creatures playing virtual reality (VR) games, devoid of any real ethics. If you want to learn to reflect, morally grow and seek to improve the world, then you must embark on that journey, and get on that ship. Confucius (551-479 BC) leaves us with a thought: Wisdom, compassion, and courage are the three universally recognized moral qualities of men.

A closing thought: Sometimes a person thinks that they are going mad. According to the Internet: all around is pure evil, pervasive blight and social ineptitude – violence and chaos reign. Then I am warmed by the words of Palms 37:8 and 37:11 — Let go of anger and abandon rage; Do not become upset and turn to doing evil…. But the meek will possess the earth, And they will find exquisite delight in the abundance of peace.

To sum up: This week we spoke about moral education. Is it necessary? It would appear that the answer is a resounding, “yes.” Then, future generations will be able to rationally speak in disagreement as opposed to throwing nonsensical epithets.

A philosophical question: Why does your mind continue to tell you that you are only 30 when your body is actually 61, — almost 62?

Just for fun: Jackie Evancho

This week, please reflect on what is morality (the concept of right and wrong) and how can I promote it in my daily life.

Every day look for something magical and beautiful.

Quote: Happiness, peace, love and curiosity are naturally inside of me: I must find my personal door to present them to the world.

Footnotes:

1)  Students’ Broken Moral Compasses

2)  Religion and Moral Education In China and America

3)  Trump Calls Comey ‘Untruthful Slime Ball’ as Book Details Released

4)  ‘Slime Ball’ Is Trump’s Ooziest Insult

5)   Taiwan’s brawling in parliament is a political way of life