Common craftsmen, although willing to accommodate themselves to laypeople to a certain extent, hold fast all the same to the principles of their craft, and cannot bear to depart from them. Is it not strange, then, that architects and doctors should regard the principle that governs their life, which they share in common with the gods.”
Meditations 6.35
Five principles that I regard with the utmost importance for my life are loyalty, respect integrity, and personal courage. These are some of the Army values that I was trained with and adopted. They transfer well between my husband, father, son, and brother roles, along with the Stoic virtues of wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance.
These values and principles have guided me for over 25 years; sometimes, I did not exemplify them and got into trouble. However, when I live by them, I succeed, if only I know I lived up to my values.
What are your principles? What are your values? How do they transfer between your roles? How do you live by your values? Let me know in the comments.