Take The Highroad
No one comes out of the hospital delivery
room knowing how to behave. I must say it is easier to travel on a backbiting washboard road than on the high smooth
road. Why, because it is man's propensity to be self-seeking. It takes effort, self-discipline and attention to travel
on the considerate highroad.
Adam Smith said self-interest is in the nature of man. A person does a thing because he or she calculates, that in the doing of it, it will be to his or her personal benefit and/or advantage. It is this propensity, this quality or character of being, of man to serve himself that is the great reliable and fixed engine of the economy. Adam Smith merely recorded his observation of the behaviors of unbridled men.
John Nash said the best outcome is when a person looks out not only for own interests, but also for the interests of others -- Win Win solutions.
Philippians 2:4 (New International Version)
4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
It seems to me that John Nash merely rediscovered what Paul the Apostle already put into print nearly 2000 years ago. Paul's reward was heaven, while John Nash was rewarded with a Nobel Prize.
I want to live in a Paul and John Nash world. I use the following chart with my business team as an inventory of behaviors. We are actively promoting the highroad concept.
Mobile? Click to see larger chart
I admit that I stumble from time to time. So I pick myself up, apologize, and get back on the highroad.
Do not provoke people to stumble. Do not let a washboard road person provoke you into stumbling. Do not dwell on past provocation.
Self-control - stay on the high road as if guided by the North Star. Peace is the goal. Live a peaceful life.
Philippians 4:8 (New International Version)
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.
With peace and respect,
Indiucky
A reader's wise comment:
"If we tend to be less selfish and more thoughtful of others, you can treat people the way you want to be treated. Even with people that you know that are jealous, moody, nasty, untruthful etc. . . you can keep a smile on your face, and eventually they will want what you have and it isn't money." - JLR