On the value of a moral compass

There are few things of more value to a person than a healthy and well calibrated moral compass.

I am not speaking of religion, although that can help some people act in a semblance of morality, in rare cases.

I am speaking of a certainty of right and wrong. Is an action right, or wrong? A belief, a law, a statement, a thought..... you name it. The ability to judge right from
wrong with enough certainty to act is key to a healthy personality and character.

Do not look to the law for help. Hear me now..... Legal vs. illegal does not have anything to do with right vs. wrong. It never has and never will.

Doubt the validity of this statement? Can you hear Judge Dredd (Sly Stalone) in your head saying "It's Da LAWWwwww"?

Remember these points when you hear "Because it's the law":

• It was legal to own slaves in the United States, and beat them to death when you wished.
• It was illegal for woman to vote in the United States for much of our national history.
• It was illegal for blacks to own firearms in most southern states up until the 1950's. (This is the genesis of most of our national gun control laws).

The point is this.... Don't look for the law to be a moral record of right and wrong. By the same token religion in almost all its forms has neatly removed itself
from the arena as well. History is replete with wars and atrocities performed by humans acting under orders from other humans reporting to act under orders from various gods.

No buck to be passed here.... "Ve Vere only following Orders" will never be an acceptable defense.

Every person needs a sense of right vs. wrong, a moral compass if you will.

Where do you get it from?

Still working on that point..... Back later.