Higher self – How to get in touch with it?

Higher self

By Stephen Russell-Lacy Just as there is an ego so there is a higher self.  But what is it? People often think that human beings are inherently good.  And that personal development simply involves getting in touch with one’s true self.  They believe a life, filled with compassion, joy, and peace, defines the true nature of … Continue reading Higher self – How to get in touch with it?

The Queen: Why celebrate her platinum jubilee?

the queen

With the Platinum Jubilee and associated holiday coming closer it is perhaps a good time to reflect on the idea of ‘lifelong service’ which the Queen placed at the heart of her vows when she began her reign. The tendency to respect others who embody some positive and admired characteristic is one we can recognise. … Continue reading The Queen: Why celebrate her platinum jubilee?

Self-improvement – Towards moral virtue?

self-improvement

By Stephen Russell-Lacy. Most of us are only too aware of some of our weaknesses. Things like low self-esteem, worry, or being judgmental. We realise that we fall short of what we regard as our ideal self and that this calls for some self-improvement. Yet what we each mean by self-improvement probably differs. What kind of … Continue reading Self-improvement – Towards moral virtue?

Right and wrong – Polarised thinking?

right and wrong

By Stephen Russell-Lacy. Some say nothing we do is absolutely right or wrong. It is more a matter of personal subjective feeling. What is right for you may not be right for me. We don’t want rigid inflexible rules. The idea of right and wrong sounds like being judgmentally moralistic. Yet others maintain that there … Continue reading Right and wrong – Polarised thinking?

Anxiety over Brexit – Deeper issues?

anxiety over Brexit

By Stephen Russell-Lacy. British people have been expressing unease about the state of their country. One possible reason may be that nothing much else is happening in politics because of anxiety over Brexit. The prospect of economic recession is reducing confidence among many about their future prospects. At the time of writing, the governing party is … Continue reading Anxiety over Brexit – Deeper issues?

Israeli-Palestinian conflict – Ethics?

Israeli-Palestinian conflict

By Stephen Russell-Lacy. We all know there is mutual resentment and antagonism in the Middle East. Rhetoric on both sides of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is incredibly heated. All involved in the region have been subject to the horror of dreadful actions. Feelings of protest, anger and fear have often got out of hand. When shouting … Continue reading Israeli-Palestinian conflict – Ethics?

Betray someone – What happens?

betray

By Stephen Russell-Lacy. Someone may feel you have betrayed them. Did you do or fail to do something? It is not so difficult to renege on a personal undertaking. We also betray a fellow worker if we take credit for their work. Or if we fail to stick up for them when someone unfairly criticises them … Continue reading Betray someone – What happens?

Promises – Is it okay to break them?

promises

By Stephen Russell-Lacy. In politics people don’t always keep their promises. In the 2010 election to the House of Commons, all the Liberal Democrat Party candidates took a pledge to oppose any increase in university tuition fees and to campaign for their abolition. However, after forming a coalition government with the Conservatives, 21 of 57 … Continue reading Promises – Is it okay to break them?

The Queen – Why so popular?

the Queen

By Stephen Russell-Lacy The British public, generally speaking, show deference to royalty and are scandalised, yet fascinated, by any of its human failures. However, after the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, the royals were perceived, in the tabloid press, as cold and unfeeling when they did not participate in the outpouring of general grief. … Continue reading The Queen – Why so popular?

Immigration – What principles apply?

immigration

In recent years, many people in Britain and elsewhere in Europe have been outraged by the mass poverty of the bottom billion inhabitants of the world. A policy of reducing immigration is often seen as mean spirited or even racist, discriminating against poor people who happen to be of a different culture and ethnicity. Alongside … Continue reading Immigration – What principles apply?