What Keeps You on the Straight and Narrow?

[ArtieE]

Assuming your moral compass points in the direction of benevolence, what specifically keeps you on that path?

My own self-interest.

 

[Jumi]

A strict self-imposed moral and honor code works for me.

 

[Nakosis]

It's been suggested that without the fear of consequence for one's choices (such as an eternity in Hell) that nothing would matter (people would make choices outside of axiom of moral goodness), which leads me to believe that the moral goodness of many is a result of fear of consequence for their actions.

Is fear the only reason many choose to be good?

Assuming your moral compass points in the direction of benevolence, what specifically keeps you on that path?

Lack of desire to do anything harmful to someone else. I've enough of my own problems/issues to deal with. There's no benefit in me in causing problems for anyone else.

To me, it's like asking, "Why don't you glue a pingpong ball to your forehead"?

I don't particular care to. Maybe if I had the desire, but way too much work to spend on something I have no interest in doing.

My moral compass points were it points. Maybe that changes with age...

 

[Revoltingest]

It's the natural way.

 

[QuestioningMind]

It's been suggested that without the fear of consequence for one's choices (such as an eternity in Hell) that nothing would matter (people would make choices outside of axiom of moral goodness), which leads me to believe that the moral goodness of many is a result of fear of consequence for their actions.

Is fear the only reason many choose to be good?

Assuming your moral compass points in the direction of benevolence, what specifically keeps you on that path?

The ability to empathize. If I know that I wouldn't want someone else to do a certain thing to me, then it would be wrong for me to do that certain thing to someone else. If the only reason you don't do something is because you fear punishment, then you're acting out of fear, not out of a sense of morality.

 

[David T]

It's been suggested that without the fear of consequence for one's choices (such as an eternity in Hell) that nothing would matter (people would make choices outside of axiom of moral goodness), which leads me to believe that the moral goodness of many is a result of fear of consequence for their actions.

Is fear the only reason many choose to be good?

Assuming your moral compass points in the direction of benevolence, what specifically keeps you on that path?

my daughter. She has constantly reminds me how dumb smart.is..

 

[Kenny]

It's been suggested that without the fear of consequence for one's choices (such as an eternity in Hell) that nothing would matter (people would make choices outside of axiom of moral goodness), which leads me to believe that the moral goodness of many is a result of fear of consequence for their actions.

Is fear the only reason many choose to be good?

Assuming your moral compass points in the direction of benevolence, what specifically keeps you on that path?

Actually, it isn't fear but rather grace and love that keeps me on the path.

Fear, in my opinion, causes one to fall more often. You don't look down on a tight rope, you look at your destination.

I remember a gold medalist skater who had fallen 3 times in practice and the anouncer said something like this:

"She fell three times. She must overcome the fear...". Well, she made the twirl in the air. How? Not by focusing on the fear of falling but on the successful jump.

 

[robocop (actually)]

It's been suggested that without the fear of consequence for one's choices (such as an eternity in Hell) that nothing would matter (people would make choices outside of axiom of moral goodness), which leads me to believe that the moral goodness of many is a result of fear of consequence for their actions.

Is fear the only reason many choose to be good?

Assuming your moral compass points in the direction of benevolence, what specifically keeps you on that path?

No, miracles and signs and basic beliefs do not keep you on the straight and narrow. Powerful thinking and self-motivation do.

 

[Rational Agnostic]

It's been suggested that without the fear of consequence for one's choices (such as an eternity in Hell) that nothing would matter (people would make choices outside of axiom of moral goodness), which leads me to believe that the moral goodness of many is a result of fear of consequence for their actions.

Is fear the only reason many choose to be good?

Assuming your moral compass points in the direction of benevolence, what specifically keeps you on that path?

Simple. I care about and have empathy for other people. If fear of going to hell or hope of going to heaven is your only reason for being good, you are most likely a psychopath, as psychopaths lack empathy, and only do good out of their own self-interest.

 

[Onyx]

I think altruistic thinking is related to evolutionary psychology, in the sense that being a reliable helping hand can earn a lot of respect. As a result, others might step up and help you in return. Humans tend to be quid pro quo in that regard.

Obtaining status through brutality can backfire, hence the emergence of a more intelligent and sophisticated approach towards survival, especially since often times going "above and beyond" can make you a stronger individual yourself.

Therefore doing something seemingly selfless is often the most selfish thing one can do.

 

[Twilight Hue]

Karma suffices. If you act ill or cruel, or kind and compassionate, one can eventually expect the same in kind in general.

It's how a person wants to be treated by the way one treat others that keeps a person on the straight and narrow or wide and reckless.

 

[Vinayaka]

It's been suggested that without the fear of consequence for one's choices (such as an eternity in Hell) that nothing would matter (people would make choices outside of axiom of moral goodness), which leads me to believe that the moral goodness of many is a result of fear of consequence for their actions.

Is fear the only reason many choose to be good?

Assuming your moral compass points in the direction of benevolence, what specifically keeps you on that path?

Common sense. It's not that hard to figure out that mutual co-operation also benefits the individual. It's not rocket science. For those who seem to need fear, I simply don't understand them. We don't speed on the highway because the cops could catch us, but because everyone is safer, including ourselves.

 

[Quagmire]

I am betting that many answer in kind. But what compels you to please God?

He's bigger than me.

 

[Quagmire]

I'll be honest: kharma and the idea of having an omnipotent being peeking over my shoulder (for me those two things are tied together pretty tightly) often compels me to do things I otherwise might not do and refrain from doing things I otherwise probably would have done.

I think for a lot of us a belief in God is a kind of metaphysical ankle bracelet. Ankle monitor - Wikipedia

 

[InChrist]

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. 1 John 4:18

I desire to live a life of gratitude and love for Jesus, my Savior, because He has shown such love for me.

 

[Ponder This]

It's been suggested that without the fear of consequence for one's choices (such as an eternity in Hell) that nothing would matter (people would make choices outside of axiom of moral goodness), which leads me to believe that the moral goodness of many is a result of fear of consequence for their actions.

Is fear the only reason many choose to be good?

Assuming your moral compass points in the direction of benevolence, what specifically keeps you on that path?

Indubitably fear of the negative consequences of Hell does keep people on the straight and narrow. However, hope for the future also keeps people on the straight and narrow too. So fear is not the only motivation in general. However, fear may indeed be the principle (and possibly only) motivation for some people. To put this in perspective, there are people who, in the absence of a fear of consequences, would have no qualms about killing millions of people for the sake of personal convenience. I don't mean that as a matter of speculation. I mean that people actually exist who do not place any intrinsic value on human life, not even their mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, or children. The only reason they 'value' them is because of the negative consequences that would occur to them personally. I realize that this way of thinking is totally alien to some people, but this way of thinking actually exists and has been studied. It is the subject of certain questions psychologists ask people that helps determine a psychological profile.

 

[Spiderman]

It's been suggested that without the fear of consequence for one's choices (such as an eternity in Hell) that nothing would matter (people would make choices outside of axiom of moral goodness), which leads me to believe that the moral goodness of many is a result of fear of consequence for their actions.

Is fear the only reason many choose to be good?

Assuming your moral compass points in the direction of benevolence, what specifically keeps you on that path?

For me it's being kind to people, Daily Mass, daily rosary, Liturgy of the Hours, meditation, incessantly begging God for enlightenment, and to be filled with the Holy Spirit, incessant prayers to the angels and Saints, especially the Blessed Virgin Mary Mother of God, to guide me and Inspire my thoughts and actions.

It is extremely helpful, and I have come a long way, but I'm still quite screwed up, and I wish my prayers would be more thoroughly answered

 

[Spiderman]

Because I love Him and believe He knows the best way for us to live.

Amen!
God bless Frank, surround Frank with angels and Saints to inspire him, guide him, Enlighten him, cherish him, protect him, give him understanding of God's Will and fill him with the Holy Spirit!

May mother Mary hold him close to her heart and Jesus hold him in his wounded hands, when he must suffer the cross and the afflictions.

May the crosses he carries lead to a glorious Resurrection, atone for sin, and give him many riches, Treasures, and a beautiful mansion in the next life!

In Jesus name I pray!
Amen!

 

[Shadow Wolf]

I think maturity teaches you that being good is the only way to actually feel good, hell or no hell.

What exactly is good?

 

[Willamena]

It's been suggested that without the fear of consequence for one's choices (such as an eternity in Hell) that nothing would matter (people would make choices outside of axiom of moral goodness), which leads me to believe that the moral goodness of many is a result of fear of consequence for their actions.

Is fear the only reason many choose to be good?

Assuming your moral compass points in the direction of benevolence, what specifically keeps you on that path?

The moral compass pointing is what keeps one going in that direction.