PRESSURES ARE REASONS, NOT JUSTIFICATIONS

by Michael Josephson,
Founder of The Josephson Institute of Ethics

First Broadcast August 19, 2005 (424.1)

We`ve located the source of moral deterioration in this country: Pressure. It`s all around and it`s wreaking havoc on society.

According to a survey of American workers, more than half said they did something unethical or illegal in the previous year because of "pressures." In Florida, sheriff`s employees who falsified crime statistics were under pressure. So were the school administrators in Texas who lied about their dropout rates, and the baseball players who took steroids, and all the youngsters who cheat on exams. Can you imagine the pressure all those cheating executives were under?

Pressure. Apparently it`s overpowering, irresistible. We can`t expect mere mortals to stand up to it. So the way to restore our moral ozone is to remove pressure so there`s no reason to lie or cheat.

There`s something appealing about shifting responsibility for every form of human weakness from the individual to the system. Don`t blame the liar; blame the law. Don`t blame the cheater; blame the test.

Please! "Pressures" are no more than temptations in disguise. The difference is that while we`ve always expected people to overcome temptation, we expect them to succumb to pressure.

Yes, lots of people will lie, cheat or steal in the face of pressure. But that`s a reason, an explanation -- not a justification. Pressures, temptations -- call them what you will -- are part of life. Sure, it would be helpful if we had less pressure, but it`s far more important that we have more character.

We need to believe in the power of virtue and expect moral courage, not surrender when moral principles are challenged. We need to encourage and expect good people to do what`s right even when it`s difficult or costly.

This is Michael Josephson reminding you that character counts.

Copyright © 2005 Josephson Institute.  Used by permission.