The Most Important Life Lesson

Take responsibility for your actions.

A lot of people in America can get away with avoiding this one. The structures of American society are tilted at times, towards, among other folks, white people, rich people, and people who exercise the powers of the state. They are able to make mistakes or commit wrongdoing and use the criminal justice system, connections, public goodwill, or personal and family wealth to avoid genuine consequences.

Others do not have access to those advantages, and face the full brunt of the justice system in the face of their errors and crimes. This is obviously disproportionate.

And yet the solution is not to allow anything and everything because we cannot always offer equal treatment. Our response must be twofold. First, we must continue to focus on redressing the imbalances of opportunity and treatment in our society. But second, we must build a culture where individuals take responsibility for their actions. This should be the most important thing we teach our kids. Bad things will happen sometimes; these things will often be inadvertent. It may not seem fair that 10 minutes--or even 10 seconds--of misjudgment or rage will affect the rest of your life. But sometimes, it must.

But do not despair. Instead, don't try to hide your actions. Don't tolerate a cover-up. Tell the truth about what happened, as soon as you can. Trust that society will be merciful if you demonstrate contrition. Don't accept the easy way out because you can. Remember that your life and lifestyle here on Earth are not the most important thing. "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect." - Romans 12:2