Unconditional

When we are talking about responsibility, we are really addressing two areas, the areas within a person that is open for improvement (excellence) and also what is fair in our interactions with others. As for our interactions with others, their types and degrees we will discuss later. This isn't about if God is out there waiting to pounce on someone for wrongdoing. Ethics in this book acknowledges that there must be a lawgiver for there to be standards, but Aristotle refuses to speculate on who he is or how he looks at our actions. 

Even within Christianity, there are degrees of opinion; Some say that God redeemed the whole world once, some say that a person needs to simply acknowledge Christ once, along with those who obsess and judge every act as though he is cringing at or blessing every moment we live. But love without freedom cannot be love. Although it is necessary for us to give up some of our own wants to have any kind of a relationship, I tend to look at God as one who gave us a will and enjoys when we do well with it. Unfortunately, the environment we live in can be hazardous, there are good fortunes and those who hit hard times. There are eras of war and regions of hatred. These make the same point that Aristotle does. Happiness is found in the soul and not externally. Without hardship there would be no triumph. 

I certainly don’t ascribe to the doctrine that God teaches us by making bad things happen. I also don’t believe he rescues us by making good things happen. Who is worse, an arrogant wealthy person or a bitter poor person; a overzealous religious nut or a vagabond? Who would you consider blessed?

When our confidence is that we are loved unconditionally, we are at our best, both at work or play.  And the next principle is like it; as we recognize the value in ourselves we will see the value in others. The parable of the widow’s mite comes to mind. While the wealthy were giving large amounts, this woman gave all she had. This was pointed out by Jesus as a much larger gift. We can’t get hung up on comparisons but every one of us is valuable, and it doesn't depend on external goods or those we know. We all have opportunities to treat ourselves well and proper and we should do the same for those around us. We should appreciate and emulate those who are good at it. Everything, except true friendships, according to Solomon is vanity.  Nothing lasts, everything is redundant…this isn't a bad thing; there is plenty of room for creativity and conquest if we stay confident and caring while doing things with those who care too. It all begins within our soul..