The Socratic Oath
I believe in Good;
That whatever the situation is,
However disappointing or hopeless it is,
Whatever limitations, mistakes and misfortunes there have been,
Or however pleasurable or seemingly satisfying it is,
It is the humble devotion to
And the undefeated perseverance in
The pursuit of the Good
That itself constitutes the highest human moral achievement;
And that the Good consists in the most excellent human functioning,
Namely, the realisation of the principle Knowledge Guides Action
Both in the being of a person, and in the make-up of a family, as well as in the structure of all human organisations;
And therefore that in all cases of life, business and society,
The pursuit of the Good lies in the very act, and its fostering, of the search for Knowledge
Which guides Action that brings about the Good;
And finally that ephemeral is worldly prosperity, but goodness brings lasting prosperity and true happiness.
This is my most fundamental belief
By which all my feelings, beliefs, knowledge, outlooks and actions are to be examined and guided, and
Which, above all, I will endeavour my utmost
To put into practice in my life
Till the last breath is drawn.
Note that the central idea expressed in the above is the principle "Knowledge Guides Action", which may be called the KGA principle in short. The reason why the above is given that title, and all other things I might say here may belong to what may be called Pragmatic Rationalism.
