For centuries, societies have looked to religious texts for moral guidance, but what if we could articulate a set of principles that transcends any single faith?
With the help of AI, I’ve created The Seven Directives – an attempt at a set of universal ethics, designed to be clear, actionable, and understandable for everyone.
The Seven Directives
- Respect Every Life.
- Description: Everyone and everything deserves to be treated with care and kindness. We share this world, and all living things, from people to plants, have value.
- Example: If you see a new student sitting alone, you could invite them to play with your friends, showing them respect and kindness.
- Seek Truth Always.
- Description: Be honest with yourself and others. Try to understand how things really are, and always speak truthfully.
- Example: If you hear someone say something about a group of people, ask questions or look for data/information to understand if it’s truly fair and accurate.
- Act with Fairness.
- Description: Treat everyone equally and make sure things are just for all. Think about what is right and balanced when you make choices.
- Example: When playing a game, make sure everyone gets a turn and that the rules are followed equally for all players.
- Protect Our Earth.
- Description: Our planet is our home, and it’s our job to take care of it and all the plants and animals that live here.
- Example: Instead of throwing your wrapper on the ground, put it in a garbage or recylcing bin.
- Find Inner Stillness.
- Description: Take time to be quiet, think about your feelings, and find calm inside yourself. This helps you understand yourself better.
- Example: If you’re feeling frustrated, take a few deep breaths and count to ten before reacting, which helps you calm your mind.
- Help One Another.
- Description: We are stronger together. Look for ways to support and be kind to the people around you, and work as a team.
- Example: If you see someone struggling to carry their books, offer to help them, even if they don’t ask.
- Embrace Each Day.
- Description: Be thankful for the good things in your life and enjoy every moment. Find joy in simple things and learn from everything that happens.
- Example: Before going to bed, think of one good thing that happened that day and feel grateful for it.
The Seven Directives aren’t meant to replace anyone’s personal faith or beliefs. Instead, they offer a complementary framework—a set of universal guidelines that can unite us in shared values and common purpose. Imagine a world where these simple, profound principles guided our interactions, from the playground to the boardroom.