December 22nd, 2024

Living by a Universal Standard

Hey friends,

“Act only according to that maxim whereby you can, at the same time, will that it should become a universal law.”

At first glance, it might sound a little complicated, but the essence of it is beautifully simple: act in a way that you’d be okay with everyone else acting too.

Think about that for a second. It’s not just about doing what feels good or what benefits you in the moment—it’s about stepping back and asking yourself, “If everyone did this, what kind of world would we create?”

For me, this idea is both inspiring and challenging. It’s inspiring because it holds us accountable to something bigger than ourselves. It’s not just about personal morality—it’s about creating a world that’s fair, just, and compassionate.

But it’s also challenging because it forces us to take a hard look at our choices. How often do we make decisions based on convenience, or self-interest, or even habit, without thinking about how those actions ripple out into the world?

Take something as simple as honesty. Imagine a world where everyone told the truth, not just when it’s easy, but even when it’s uncomfortable. How much trust, connection, and understanding would that create? Now flip it. What happens if we all lie when it feels convenient? The world becomes a lot messier, doesn’t it?

Kant’s idea reminds us that our actions don’t exist in isolation. They set the tone for the kind of world we’re building together.

For me, living by this principle doesn’t mean being perfect—it’s impossible to get it right all the time. But it does mean being intentional. It means asking myself, “Is this choice aligned with the kind of world I want to live in?” And when the answer is no, it means having the courage to choose differently.

This shows up in small ways, like being kind when it’s easier to be impatient. Or bigger ways, like standing up for what’s right, even when it’s uncomfortable.

What about you? What’s one area of your life where you can start living by this principle—choosing actions that you’d be proud to see as a universal standard? It doesn’t have to be big. Maybe it’s practicing more empathy, sharing more kindness, or simply being more mindful of how your choices affect others.

I’d love to hear your thoughts. Let’s talk in the comments or message me—I want to know how this idea resonates with you and what it looks like in your life.

Thanks for being here with me today, for sharing this space to reflect and grow. Let’s keep building a better world, one action, one intention, one moment at a time.

Until next time,
Marjoly 🌿