[Daniel] Philisophical

Attending college, especially in the College of Business, has been very trying for me. Not because of the information taught, the speed at which is was taught or even by the professors themselves. What gets me most is the immense difference in morals between myself and basically everyone else in COBA.



Every single person there seems to believe that fitting in with others and profit are all that matter. Drink away your concerns. Live fast and hard. And destroy anything in your path. Yes, this may be an exaggeration but it's the prevailing view and any dissent is met with disapproval or dismissal.



So in response to this (and to help me solidify my thoughts), I'm going to lay out what I choose to live by:

1. ALWAYS keep an open mind.



2. Everyone is an equal, regardless of sex, status, race or any other falicy there is.



3. Nature is to be respected and treated with immense care.



4. Live for seven generations.



5. Be true to who you are.



6. Always have fun.



7. Maintain self control.



8. Diplomacy is stronger than force.

ALWAYS keep an open mind. Nothing is as important to me as this. You don't know everything and what you know you might be wrong about. Other people have the right to believe what they wish and they might be able to teach you amazing things, if you'll just allow yourself to hear what they are saying.



Everyone is equal. Everyone has the same biologic makeup as everyone else. Just because they aren't like you doesn't mean they don't deserve the same respect as everyone else.



Respect Nature. This involves every aspect of nature. There is no such thing as a right to dominate the Earth and we are affected by pollution and destruction just as much as any other living being. Which ties into the next ideal...



Live for seven generations. This is not a unique thought, as it was the belief held by most Native American tribes. I think one ought to evaluate every action he or she makes and determine what impact it will have on future generations. Our life here is short but that doesn't give us the right to make our children and children's children suffer through a broken, destroyed world.



Be true to who you are. If you're different, be proud of how you think and what you value. I've tried to be someone I wasn't before and it got me nowhere. By being myself, at least I am happy with who I am and can sleep at night guilt-free.



Always have fun. So many people forget what having fun and being silly is like, too stuck in their own little world to care or take the risk of being seen as weird. When you leave that behind, you remember what it's like to really live and you enjoy where you are rather than where you are going.



Maintain self control. If you can't delay gratification or resist tempation, you're no more emotionally advanced than a very small child. Not everything in life goes the way you want it to but if you lose control, you are guaranteed to do something stupid or something you will regret.



Diplomacy is stronger than force. Everyone has their own mind, beliefs and opinions. You don't have the right to force yours on anyone else. Both parties need to speak to each other candidly and respectfully, or someone will get screwed in the deal. And it will come back to haunt you in one way or another.



Part of me hopes no one takes offense to this list. But when I stop to think about it, I hope this does cause some problems. More than anything, I want people make up their own minds, think for themselves and form their own beliefs. That is what freedom is really all about.