by 
Steve Weber
By Steve Weber
Developing an ethical character takes courage. It requires living by a set of core values which guide the choices and actions that determine the purpose and the course of our lives. “There are two aspects to ethics: the first involves the ability to discern right from wrong, good from evil, and propriety from impropriety; the second involves the commitment to do what is right, good and proper. Ethics is an action concept; it is not simply an idea to think and argue about.” The great challenge for all of us is to recognize that our “personal” beliefs, desires, goals, attitudes, and customs may more strongly motivate our actions than making a potentially painful ethical decision.
In a world where there are countless shades of gray to confuse and confound even the most agile of minds and equivocation excuses most any type of behavior, I can agree that that the subject of character development needs more work than any one person can provide. Perhaps we are all so jaded because we expect law enforcement officials, attorneys, etc. to live by the laws they enforce; bankers, accountants, brokers, etc. to honor their fiduciary responsibilities; religious figures to set an example, and advocate peace and harmony, and politicians to abide by constitutional oaths that put the interests of the people they serve above all else. These and all other respected professions are made up of people like us. Sometimes they fail to live up to expectations just as we do. Character development is an ongoing process requiring constant attention. Striving to do better is in our own self-interest.
Mr. Weber is the chief instructor at the Aikido Academy of Self-Defense located at 16134 North Oracle Road, in Catalina. He has more than 45 years of experience in the Martial Arts and has achieved skills in a variety of disciplines. He also teaches Tai-Chi on Saturday from 9 to 10 a.m.
Please call (520) 825-8500 for information regarding these and other programs. If you wish, check out the website at www.AikidoAcademyOfArizona.com.
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