1 – There always has been and always will be a certain code to humanity, a genetically engrained moral compass of right versus wrong inside every person, a basic conscience which will – hopefully – guide the actions of both the individual and society. When that compass has gone askew, it is most often the consequence of abuse or neglect in some capacity on a personal or even societal scale.
2 – Somewhere there will always be men who are truly worthy of the title of Gentleman. Although they are often the minority, they have the inherent power to affect great changes, if they will work up the courage to do so.
3 – In the distant future, the efforts of hundreds of women in the twentieth century to fight for true feminine equality and every woman’s right for education and fair treatment will not be forgotten or misunderstood. At that time, “equality” will not mean that women – when offered money or advancement in society – will “choose” to participate in activities once forced upon them, suffered in silent victimized submissiveness. Rather, the mutual pursuit of human excellence, unhindered by any oppressive gender-based hierarchy, will prove to be the true meaning of “equality,” and will be the absolute victory of the suffragettes throughout the decades.
4 – Children deserve far more than society gives them, emotionally, intellectually, and physically. They always have been far more intelligent and understanding than we have ever given them credit for. Most importantly, children are far more adept than their adult counterparts at understanding the emotional connotations of any given situation. Although they may not understand every circumstance, every consequence, they have a natural inclination to absorb and reflect the feelings of those around them. The only difference is they don’t necessarily communicate those feelings in the same ways we do. They will absorb what you expose them to, for good or for bad, and what they absorb will determine their behaviors and tendencies as teenagers and as adults. While they will naturally be responsible for their actions, some of the responsibility lies with those who determined the atmosphere to which they were subjected as children.
5 – “The Big Picture” is always critical when making a decision that will affect the lives of others. No leader, no person in any position of power, should ever ignore the potential affects their decisions will have on the future, five, ten, fifteen, even a hundred years from now. Examine every angle, devour every detail, and make logic your ally.
6 – Never forget that not everyone in this world is a reasonable, compassionate human being (see number 1). This hinders the application of certain theories on world peace and how to achieve it. While these theories may be perfect, people are not.
7 – No one is honest all of the time. That’s not a fault, that’s being human. However, not everyone tries to be honest as much as humanly possible. That is deplorable and should never be accepted.
8 – I believe that every religion that teaches love and tolerance has truth inside of it and should be respected. Religion has never been the source of hatred, but just like so many other beautiful things in this world, it can easily be maligned by individuals who are seeking tools for oppression and the achievement of personal power. Hatred will always find a way to use even the most respectable of things for the most disgusting of purposes.
9 – More often than not, the loudest person in a crowd isn’t always representative of the majority.