Aim for the high ground, not the high horse.

Yesterday, fellow Mozillian Gervase Markham wrote these lines:

The Internet is one of the greatest drivers of human prosperity and happiness the world has ever seen. The ability to communicate easily across long distances, for business or pleasure, has enabled unimagined trade, friendship and connection. It has empowered many people. However, the free Internet as we know it is under threat – from governments, businesses and organizations who want to control or restrict what information passes. And when control and restriction increases, for whatever reason, opportunity and innovation suffer collateral damage.

That’s why my ethical career choice is to work for Mozilla, an organization which aims to preserve and protect the open Internet as a level playing field where everyone can communicate, contribute and take full part – without having to pay gatekeepers, have a relationship with particular companies, or give up their privacy or security.

Working for a non-profit, just as being (for example) a teacher, or a doctor means occupying the high ground.

I believe we should all be aiming for the high ground.

You know, there’s a phrase in English “getting on your high horse‘. This indicates that you’re ‘better’ or ‘more intelligent’ than other people. That’s not what I’m getting at.

What I think we should be aiming for is individual and community flourishing. I believe that acting as though we’re in competition with one another damages this.

We’re all in this together.

Aiming for the high ground means acting in accordance with the Golden Rule:

One should treat others as one would like others to treat oneself.

So, no matter what your faith this Sunday, think about your career choices. Think about your shopping habits. And most of all, every time you’re faced with a choice, opt for the one that promotes human flourishing.

Image CC BY ^riza^