## So, About This Whole "Being Good" Thing: A (Slightly Sarcastic) Guide to Conforming with Accepted Moral Standards
Let's face it, "conforming with accepted standards of moral behaviour" sounds about as thrilling as watching paint dry, doesn't it? It conjures images of stern librarians shushing you for breathing too loudly and perfectly coiffed people discussing the nuances of proper napkin folding. But beneath the dusty veneer of politeness and predictable do-goodery, there's actually a whole lot of fascinating, and sometimes hilariously complex, stuff going on.
Think of it like this: societal morality is basically a really, really old, incredibly popular board game. The rules are constantly being tweaked by committee (which is mostly just loud people arguing on the internet and politicians trying to score points), and the penalties for breaking them range from a stern talking-to to, well, actual legal trouble. It’s a game we all implicitly agree to play, even if we sometimes cheat a little in our heads.
Why Do We Even Bother? The Great "Why" of Goodness
The primal urge to be "good" isn't just about avoiding the wrath of your imaginary friend in the sky, or even just keeping out of jail. It's a deeply ingrained evolutionary trick. Imagine our ancestors, trying to survive in a world where a rogue saber-toothed tiger was less of a threat than a grumpy neighbour who wouldn't share his berries. Cooperation, fairness, and not stealing each other's mammoths – these weren't just nice ideas, they were survival strategies.
So, in a way, conforming to accepted moral standards is like being a really good chess player. You understand the rules, you anticipate your opponent's moves (even if your opponent is just your own impulses), and you aim for a long-term victory (which, in this case, is a relatively stable and functioning society).
The Ever-Shifting Sands of "Acceptable"
Here's where things get truly entertaining. What's considered "moral" today might have been downright scandalous a century ago, and what's frowned upon now might be the height of chic in the future. Our moral compass is less a rigid North Star and more a wobbly weather vane, constantly buffeted by changing societal winds.
Take, for instance, the "moral imperative" of wearing a hat indoors. Once upon a time, it was a sign of disrespect if a gentleman
didn't tip his hat. Today, the only thing you're likely to get for wearing a hat indoors is a confused stare from the maître d'. Or how about the moral outrage surrounding…well, let's just say certain forms of entertainment that are now commonplace. The moral guardians of yesteryear would probably faint dead away.
This constant evolution is what makes the game so dynamic. It means we're not just blindly following ancient decrees. We're actively, albeit often unconsciously, participating in shaping what it means to be a decent human being. It’s a living, breathing, often messy, ethical experiment.
The Perks of Playing by the Rules (Mostly)
While the idea of "conforming" might sound like it stifles individuality, there are some undeniable benefits to playing nicely with the established moral code.
*
Social Lubricant: Think of it as the WD-40 for human interaction. Knowing that most people won't randomly punch you or steal your wallet makes going to the grocery store a considerably less anxiety-inducing experience.
*
Building Trust: When people generally adhere to certain standards, we can build trust. This allows for complex societies, economies, and even just friendly neighbourhood potlucks to function.
*
Personal Peace of Mind: Let's be honest, living with constant guilt or the fear of being caught doing something wrong is exhausting. There's a certain serene satisfaction in knowing you're doing your best to be a decent person.
The Dark Side of the Do-Gooder (And Why It's Okay to Be a Little Bad)
Now, it's crucial to acknowledge that blind conformity can be a dangerous thing. History is littered with examples of people doing terrible things in the name of "accepted moral standards." When a moral code becomes rigid, unquestioning, and intolerant of dissent, it can quickly morph into oppression.
Furthermore, the pressure to always be "good" can be incredibly stifling. We're human! We have selfish impulses, we make mistakes, and sometimes, we just want to eat the entire tub of ice cream without judgment. The truly interesting part of moral behaviour isn't the rigid adherence, but the
struggle, the
reflection, and the
choice.
The Verdict? It's Complicated, But Mostly Worth It.
Ultimately, conforming with accepted standards of moral behaviour is less about rigid adherence and more about navigating a complex social landscape with a degree of intentionality and empathy. It’s about understanding the unspoken contract we have with each other to make life a little less chaotic and a lot more enjoyable.
So, the next time you hear that phrase, don't roll your eyes. Instead, think of it as an invitation to a grand, ongoing game. A game with ever-changing rules, occasional absurdities, and the potential for a truly rewarding, and yes, even entertaining, outcome. Just try not to cheat
too much. Your neighbours (and society at large) will thank you for it.
