BASIC RULE: All rules have exceptions.
1)
HUMANITY: That which has been described in literary endeavors as "humanity".
Webster's Dictionary describes humanity as "2. The qualities of kindness
and sympathy". Be kind and sympathetic whenever possible in your
dealings with others. I think it's also more than that, it's the ability
to think of another before yourself, the ability to "stand in anothers
shoes", i.e., to see something from someone else's point of view. This
is not to say that you should always sacrifice your own interests, for
that would be counterproductive to survival. It is the ability to do the
things mentioned above added tp the wisdom to make the proper decision
for a course of action. Also means don't kill unless it is the only way
to survive, and don't hurt anyone if you don't have to.
2) EARTH: The earth
is our mother, she gives to us, and we shall not take what we do not need,
and we will not waste what we recieve. Recycling isn't just to "save the
earth" (for the earth will survive), it is also a good idea because trash
is ugly. Recycling reduces trash and therefore keeps our earth a nice place
to live.
3) ANIMALS: Animals
are our brothers and sisters and while they are also gifts of the earth
to keep us nourished, hunting for sport is not only a waste (see #2), but
a grave crime committed against our brothers and sisters of the earth.
Animals, like the earth, are to be treated with respect.
4)
PARENTS: Respect your parents, although know that they, too, are human
and make mistakes sometimes. There are exceptions to this ideal, given
that we live in a world where not all parents are worthy of respect. But
if they love you, provide(d) for you as best they could, taught you important
life lessons, and didn't intentionally harm you, then love and respect
them for all they contributed to the person you are today. Listen to them.
What they say may not always be exactly right, but they are still worth
listening to. Wisdom doesn't always come with age, but it often does, and
you may learn wise things even when you don't expect to. So listen. Also,
a certain respect for all elders is well-mannered and polite, even tho
it is not always deserve. But give them the benefit of the doubt and treat
them with respect.
5)
VIRTUES: These are virtues: kindness, sympathy/empathy, patience, tolerance,
wisdom, love, generousity, loyalty. Few people, if any, are born with all
these traits, most have to be learned. But they are ideals to live by,
employ them whenever possible.
6) TOLERANCE OF BELIEFS:
Respect the beliefs of others. Don't force your beliefs on anyone. Every
person decides for themselves what to believe, and while you may present
your beliefs to others if they are interested, don't force them down anyone's
throat. Remember the basic tenet of The Truth: "There is no one right way
for everyone."
7) SURVIVAL:
You do what you gotta do. That's not an ideal, per se, thats just a basic
principle in today's world. But there are limits. You do what ya gotta
do, but no more than that.
8) HARM: "And it harm
none, do as ye will." Personally I find this Wiccan phrase a little too
vague. It's on the right track though...maybe add to that, "and if it harms,
be prepared for the consequences".
9) "GOLDEN RULE":
"Do unto others as you would have others do unto you." A good rule, but
as with any rule, there are exceptions. Like what about when you do unto
others, but they don't do unto you? Leaves you kinda vulnerable, dontcha
think? But all in all, I suppose, a good rule.
10) OPTIMISM: Have fun
and be happy! Try to look for the good in everything. Like Mary Poppins
said, "A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down" ! :)