Being true to yourself

I subscribe to the philosophy that there is no absolute right and wrong. Stealing is considered an absolute wrong if you believe Thou Shalt Not Steal. However, in some cases stealing is completely justified (stealing drugs for your sick wife, for example). If you reject the absolutes mandated by religion, right and wrong are relative not absolute.

But relative to what? Relative to some societal norm? I believe right and wrong should be relative to your "true nature," whatever that is. Wolf Larsen's character in the Sea Wolf by Jack London was a monster; however, I agree with his belief that a person should live in accordance with his true nature. Not following your true nature is cowardice.

Happiness only comes when you follow your true nature.

For example, if in your heart you believe you should help someone who has an accident, but you don't because you are afraid to be hurt or sued, you are denying your true nature and are a coward.

I don't steal because some book or priest told me I shouldn't. I don't steal because it's against my true nature.

The same action may be labeled cowardly or not depending on the persons' true nature. If a man insults your wife and you know the right thing is to hit him but you don't because you're afraid, you're a coward. However, if you believe in nonviolence then not hitting is brave not cowardly; in fact, hitting would be cowardly! This is what I mean by relative. The same reaction is cowardly or not depending on the persons' true nature.

The great thing about this philosophy is that if you know your true nature you can ignore everything and everyone when deciding how to live. You don't have to confuse your thoughts with other peoples' beliefs about how you should live. Decisions are hard enough without this noise.

Of course, the hard part is knowing your true nature; separating it from other peoples' perceptions and expectations. Unfortunately I have no advice on discovering your true nature. However, everyone has a true nature--a moral compass. Discovering ones' own true nature by trial-and-error is perhaps what life is all about.