moral compass

Moral compass.

How often we hear that combination of words. But defining that concept is much harder. I wonder if one puts aside all the religious patter of whatever ilk, and narrows it's origin down to a person(s) who was influential to you as a child -be it mother, father, grandparent, neighbor, cleric, teacher - and showed you how to get along in the world. From the earliest lesson of sharing toys to the larger world of social accommodation. Doesn't it all boil down to compassion? What interpersonal relationship whether within your household or between nations wouldn't be bettered with simple attitudes of compassion. That monstrously easy/difficult task of seeing the other person's side.

I will never forget the times around our supper table during childhood and I would be spouting off about some "injustice" that happened to me from the teacher and Mother telling me to think of how difficult her task is to keep all those boys under control as well as teach all those classes, etc., etc. Was I grateful for this sage insight then? - not on your life! But looking back, I see how the molding took place. Bit by bit we try to smooth the pugnacious  edges of our children as they grow.

But that is our privileged background! Suppose you never had that mentor playing devil's advocate and were allowed to pursue your own ego-driven sensibilities?

Is that why these loners - be they in ordinary neighborhoods or the White House - operate in such a vacuum?