What does each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) “Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have the right to do and what is right to do. “-Potter Stewart (b) “If a country is to be corruption free and become a nation of beautiful minds, I strongly feel that there are three key societal members who can make a difference They are father, mother and teacher.”- APJ Abdul Kalam
(a) “Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have the right to do and what is right to do.” – Potter Stewart
To me, this quotation means that ethics involves making decisions that are not only legal or within one’s rights, but also morally right and just. It suggests that there are sometimes situations where an individual may have the legal right to do something, but it is not necessarily the right thing to do from an ethical perspective.
(b) “If a country is to be corruption free and become a nation of beautiful minds, I strongly feel that there are three key societal members who can make a difference They are father, mother and teacher.” – APJ Abdul Kalam
To me, this quotation means that the role of parents and teachers in shaping the values and attitudes of the next generation is crucial to creating a society that is free from corruption and full of individuals with beautiful minds. It suggests that these three societal members have a unique opportunity and responsibility to shape the future of their country by teaching and modeling ethical values and behaviors.
(c) “Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it”- Dalai Lama
This quotation suggests that the sacrifices one makes in pursuit of success can be a measure of that success. It suggests that the things one is willing to give up or forego in order to achieve a goal can be a reflection of the importance or value of that goal. It also implies that success may require making difficult choices or decisions, and that the things one gives up along the way may be a testament to the dedication and commitment one has to achieving that success.