Emotional

Emotions are what make us human, and disregarding our emotions when making a decision would be wrong. On the other hand, we cannot let our emotions take over and be the dominant factor in our decision-making. There needs to be a healthy balance of emotion, reason, and consideration of predicted outcomes.

 To rely soley on emotions would mean we always make rash decisions in the heat of the moment, based on how we feel. Our emotions change all the time and we can’t help that. It is important to take into consideration why we feel the way we do and whether or not our feelings are justified. That is where reason comes into play. Setting aside the excuse of “I did it because I wanted to,” we should be able to back up our decisions with well-thought out explanations and reasons as to why this was a good and beneficial choice to make.

And finally, think before you act. How will your actions affect the immediate and long-term future? How many people will benefit and by how much? Is the well-being of the many worth sacrificing the well-being of the few? We cannot always do what benefits the majority, however. For example, let’s say a population of 500 wants to enslave a population of 250. Obviously, more slave masters than slaves would mean the enslavement is good for the majority. But we all know that slavery is unethical and the wrong decision to make. And why do we know this? Because forcefully taking away rights from innocent human beings makes us feel bad.