Is It Right?

Constantly we are all confronted with many prospects and possibilities and proposals. Indeed, life is an endless series of decisions. And one of the questions frequently asked when proposals are presented is this: “what is there in it for me?” It isn’t always so frankly phrased or so bluntly stated as this, but it is often the first question asked, nevertheless. Surely it is not improper that the question of personal profit should frequently present itself, but it is exceedingly doubtful if the matter of material gain should ever be the first question. Rather, should not the first question to any proposal be simply this: “Is it right?” A large part of all the proposals that are made in the world could easily be eliminated from further discussion simply by asking this one question: “Is it right?” If it is, we may well consider it further. We may then reasonably ask whether or not it is convenient, whether or not it is profitable, whether or not we want to do it. But if it isn’t right, we are wasting our time in asking any other question, because if it isn’t right, it isn’t worth it, no matter what else there maybe in it for anyone. In the materialistic mode of our day, this may sound to some like impractical idealism. Cynicism would surely sweep it aside. But actually it is a hard-headed fact, an unalterable reality, for which all time, all experience, all happiness and unhappiness, all success and failure provide the proof. There is no other basis on which we should entertain any proposal from anyone until we have asked this one first question. This is true in social situation, business opportunities, in maters of profit or popularity, in private and in public. Putting the wrong question first, and giving it the wrong answer, may well complicate and compromise life from that time forth. And so, whenever we have a choice to make, a decision to reach, a proposal to consider, and opportunity to weigh, this is the first question: “Is it right?” Then, and only then, it may be time to ask other questions, including perhaps: “What is there in it for me?” But if it isn’t right, there is nothing in it that we or anyone else can afford. If it isn’t right, the other questions don’t matter. If it isn’t right, let it alone.