Tom the Dancing Bug by Ruben Bolling for May 02, 2009

The decision of what is “good” is neither arbitrary and relative, nor dependent upon abstract polarities imposed through “revelation.” We aren’t BORN with the knowledge of the difference between Right and Wrong, but we begin learning it very early, both through conditioning by parents and peers and through observation and reflection. These two may be in contradiction, when what has traditionally been accepted as “good” is subjected to critical analysis and found to be hollow, and this can lead to charges of “moral relativism” or “situational ethics” by dogmatic hardliners. But it’s pretty much true that “Everything I need to know, I learned in kindergarten.” Learn to share. If you bring snacks, bring enough for everybody. Don’t expect to get your own way every time. Try not to make anyone cry. Wait for your turn. These are “good” because they lead to the greatest opportunity for EVERYONE to be happy. Evolution has made us a cooperative species, and the individual has the best chance to thrive when the community thrives.