Learning Gray

In my opinion, when man is born, he brings with him into the world natural benevolence. Although sometimes selfish and at times even cruel, everyone has their weaknesses, a tender spot somewhere in the heart. Whether kindness is a weakness or not - there is no knowing.

Morality, the rules of right conduct, is the expanse of space in which all of mankind is to live within and to adhere to.  For most individuals, the sense of morality had long been attached to them since early childhood. From this, it is reasonable to say that morality is learned. There is quite a difference between natural goodness and morality. While goodness is innate, morality is a complex network of concepts practiced over time and perhaps could even be subjected to change.

Moral character – the question of what is right and what is wrong, can well be influenced through society. Euthanasia, for example, is an area where heightened controversies are being made. Technically, it is a method of killing. On further thought, however, one should consider its purpose, its implications - both good and bad, and the wishes of those who truly have no chance of recovering or are already close to death. Putting it briefly, if an act is considered appropriate and acceptable by society, then it too, will gradually become a part of mankind’s code of ethics, the norm. Just as ideas may evolve, develop and expand, morality can do so likewise, learned over time.

Depending on one’s living conditions and the area in which they reside, their views on morality may be different from those who live in another part of the world. A traditionalist versus a modernist may base their lifestyles on different degrees of morality as well, perceiving the world through different perspectives.

All in all, the sense of morality is generally similar to all humans living in the larger world, with differences dispersed in between, of no doubt. Although there is a generalization of what morality is, the inner details may vary from country to country, family to family. With or without differences, however, morality is learned and not possibly innate to man as although traditional influences exist, the values and ideals of man are constantly evolving, albeit slowly.