Morality often serves as a shield for self-preservation in a world that punishes deviation.
Children learn morality through reward and punishment, equating 'goodness' with negotiation for safety.
Lawrence Kohlberg found most people's moral reasoning is based on avoiding conflict or seeking approval.
Society equates 'goodness' with compliance, varying across communities and benefiting those in power.
In capitalism, 'goodness' is a currency, with professionalism often demanding compliance.
Modern morality can be performative, with social media amplifying the need for visible virtue.
Fear of exclusion and punishment leads to a 'goodness' that aligns with being harmless to power structures.
Choosing 'goodness' over honesty can lead to self-betrayal and loss of autonomy.
True morality should involve justice, bravery, and integrity, not just obedience and docility.