Every person wants to live a good life with a certain degree of success in the areas they are passionate about. Self interest isn’t a diabolical motive. Rather than frustrating ourselves trying to navigate through politics, lets take time to look at common principles that we all can agree on. The best way to pursue happiness is through hard work and exhibiting good character. When a people of good character see others succeed, they will want to emulate what these successful people are doing with the hope of having the same degree of success. A good society will consist of people who are good at making voluntary deals with each other so all those involved can improve their lives. This is what it means to be just.

We naturally want to expedite the process of acquiring wealth and success. This is where things can go wrong. There are those who make a good living off inspiring others. They do it by pointing to the known principle of emulating good behaviors. This is the good side of helping others. But there is a diabolical side to inspiration, a shortcut side. It is based in envy and confiscation rather than good character and hard work. The leaders of these movements develop envy and entitlement in their followers rather than admiration and incentive. First they divide people into classes such as unbelievers and true believers, rich and the poor or black and white. After this, resentments are stoked through exaggerating the faults of the opposing classes. Finally, conclusions are drawn that others don’t deserve what they have and something must be done to confiscate it. This mindset forms the basis for every war.

The good news is that it doesn’t take political, community or religious leaders to cause us to work hard, exhibit good character and to have a degree of satisfaction in our lives. It is a personal choice. Every person is capable of making improvements within their own realm of influence with the time they possess. While the merchants of discord do their best to form resentments, those who have good character are enjoying their lives by emulating successful practices and being a good example to others.