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There Is A Right Way

Karl Palachuk

Karl W. Palachuk
July 22, 2007

Some people are reluctant to take a stand and say (publicly) “I’m right and you’re wrong.” I don’t know if it’s political correctness or what. Somehow in our modern lives we’re led to believe that everyone’s opinion is just as good as everyone else’s.

I think that’s pretty boring — and wrong.

Fundamentally, there are right and wrong ways of doing things. This is true on both a moral level and a very practical level.

Morally, we can say that this action is “right” and that action is “wrong.” But many people are not willing to say that anyone else’s action are wrong. So a growing segment of the population is unwilling to stand up and say that any actions taken by another are wrong.

That’s a sure road to destruction.

On the practical side, experience is a wonderful teacher. There might be six ways to change your oil, write a press release, or perform an employee review. But experience will help you narrow this down to the one way that works best. On the practical side, there really is a best way — a right way.

And what’s the advantage of believing that there is a true, best, right way to behave?

First, it allows you to focus your attention. If every possible action in the known universe is just as good as every other possible action, then your choices don’t really matter. But if there’s a one true way out there, then finding that way is possible, and taking actions that are consistent with it will bring greater success.

Second, no one who refuses to take a stand on anything important will ever achieve much in this world. You have to believe in something in order to make meaninful progress. There has to be a right and a wrong way so that you can recoginize where u are and continually move in the right direction.

There’s an old saying “You have to stand for something or you’ll fall for anything.”

I believe that’s true.

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2 Responses

  1. You’re wrong. 8^)

    In all seriousness, you can’t possibly mean that for every decision that every human being faces there is one “right” choice and that all the other choices are wrong, can you? Surely your comment applies to a limited number of situations. (For example, it really doesn’t make any difference which shoe you put on first.) And surely you acknowledge that in some situations the right choice for Person A would be the wrong choice for Person B?

  2. Welcome, Mr. Schrag. I’m not wrong. 🙂

    I guess I’d limit my comments to the larger things in life.

    I’m not looking for the one perfect guide to all behavior. But clearly you fall into the category of “Willing to take a stand, have an opinion, and stand up for it.”

    Overall, that approach to life is more fulfilling than being afraid to hold an opinion.

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