"Rake the muck this way, rake the muck that way, it will still be muck. In the time I am brooding, I could be stringing pearls for the delight of heaven". Hasidic Wisdom

Regardless of the discipline or environment, we will always encounter situations which challenge our ability to act ethically. One friend of mine defined our standard of ethical behavior as that which we do when no one is watching. This seems fair enough.

Opportunities abound to slight others whether friends, competitors or enemies. Ethical behavior requires that we treat each with the respect they're due and sidestep the temptation to elevate ourselves and our causes at their expense.

Ethical behavior need not be complex. It usually comes down to doing what's right (and this is rarely a great mystery), championing honesty even when it's messy.

Dilemmas will always arise. Our previous patterns or habits of behavior will determine whether, in a crisis, we have the resolve to face them with courage, wisdom, compassion and justice.