It Comes Right Back
“Whoever does wrong, wrongs themselves. Whoever does injustice, does it to themselves, making themselves evil.”
—Marcus Aurelius
Meditations
Every time you act unkindly, unjustly, or unethically, it's not just the external consequences you should be wary of—like pushing people away or societal reprimand—but the internal impact as well. You chip away at your own character, your self-respect, and your integrity.
Think about the last time you acted against your better judgment. Didn't it feel as though you'd let yourself down? That sensation is your moral compass telling you that you've stained your inner self.
So, the next time you're faced with a choice that could lead you astray, ask yourself, "Am I willing to erode who I am for this?"
You see, developing a strong moral character is like building muscle—it requires consistent, honest work, and taking shortcuts only weakens your foundation. By choosing actions that align with your values, you not only create a better external environment for yourself and others, but you also fortify the internal one, shaping yourself into the person you truly want to be.
Remember, every action is an opportunity to either enhance or diminish your own virtue; choose wisely, for in doing so, you safeguard your greatest asset—your own sense of self.