We should strive to not offer an opinion or advice unless we are asked. Everyone has an opinion and is entitled to it, but just overpowering someone else's opinion with your own is bad form and causes unnecessary confrontation. If someone broaches a subject and offers an opinion, hold your tongue unless someone inquires of yours. The same goes for advice. Sometimes people just want someone to listen but not burden them with additional advice. Unless someone has expressed a desire to hear your issues hold your tongue.

Everyone has issues, and they might not have the time to deal with yours. If they are ready to accept the burden of someone else's issues, they will let you know. These are just a few of the very basic things we have found. No doubt by doing your own research you will find many other common elements that flow through the various philosophies. For instance, let us start by examining something both common and irritating; people blaming someone (usually fictional) or something else for what they have done. This is nothing but an excuse.

There is a saying "Responsibility to the Responsible" which means not to lay blame for doing something wrong on someone else. Accepting responsibility for your actions gets you much further than 'passing the buck'. You may get by the immediate trouble but you will not grow as a positive individual and growth is one of the keys to life. Everyone makes mistakes, and that is okay. Each mistake that is made should be viewed as a learning experience. Unfortunately some mistakes are more costly than others and it is even more imperative in these situations to learn so you do not repeat them. Learn the lesson and move on, and take comfort in the fact that you now know more than you did before.

Never be afraid to learn something new, even if it puts you on the spot. It is interesting to note that many belief systems, even those that seem diametrically opposed to one another, parallel one another in many aspects. Some examples were provided earlier but there are others. For example, let us compare some of the morals taught in Christianity and Satanism. Both belief systems teach very similar morals. In the Bible, it states, "Thou shall not kill." Similarly Satanism does not condone murder either and takes it a step further by stating; "Do not kill non-human animals unless you are attacked or for food." and "Do not harm children."

The Bible also says, "You shall not commit adultery." which is similar to the Satanic teaching "Do not make sexual advances unless you are given the mating signal." You may say to yourself, "So what!" right about now or "What is the point?" The point is, there are certain universal teachings or morals, if you like, that transcend theological differences. This is not an effort to tout one belief system or religion over another. That is a spiritual issue and personal preference outside the scope of this document.

What we are concentrating on is those universal truths. It does not matter if they reside in Christianity, Satanism, the Code of Hammurabi or any other belief system. These universal truths are part of what make up the Basis of Being. These last statements bring up an interesting question. How can we possibly expect to follow all these commandments, laws, truths, etc? After all it is human nature to push the boundaries. The simple fact is that no one can ever follow any of these truths without stumbling regularly.

The important thing to do in these situations is to pick yourself up, take responsibility and learn your lesson. Unfortunately many people do not take this approach. Let us take a quick look at two opposing examples of what we are talking about. The first will be of someone who took responsibility for his actions and the second will be of someone who did not. Do you remember the Iran-Contra Scandal and the testimony of Oliver North? Whether you agree with what he did or not is unimportant. The important thing is that he admitted and fully accepted his role in the affair. He made no excuses and blamed no one.

Despite the very real threat of imprisonment he stood up and took responsibility. In the process he became, too many, an American hero despite having participated in questionable and illegal activities. On the other hand we have David Berkowitz, AKA the "Son of Sam". He killed six people and injured at least 7 others. He blamed what he did on "the voices" and "demon dogs". Sure he may have just been crazy but maybe one of the traits of an unstable personality is to avoid responsibility.

Placing the blame on someone or something else when in reality it rests squarely on your shoulders is a sign of someone who is afraid to deal with reality. If you avoid reality for too long you will end up a little unstable yourself. Ok, admittedly those are two extreme examples. Chances are that when you stumble it will be nowhere near either of those extremes. Regardless, the lesson is the same. People will respect you and you will respect yourself more for standing up and taking responsibility. Doing the right thing may not make you a hero to the nation but it does not have to. Your actions in any situation will be noticed by any number of people.

How you act can have a great deal of impact on someone and you may never know it. That is why it is important to always try and do what is good and if you slip to make it right. The impact you have on others should always be positive and be an example. To show them that there is a better way to live than what is generally accepted as normal human behavior. It is time we step up and become the intelligent species we claim to be. We must become more than slaves to our emotions and hormones. Our intelligence is what separates us from the rest of the animals. Yet in many ways we are less intelligent and in constant conflict with the world around us instead of trying to live in harmony.

Book 1: Chapter 12: Maxim 2: It requires a great and noble character, having started out wrong to then turn things about and do what is right. Habitual behavior is something only the individual can conquer and defeat, if they must.

What is the Basis of Being?

The Basis Of Being is a groundbreaking book broken down into 13 Chapters of 28 Maxims each. Written by Liam Ballinagar & Gamble Leidolf; edited by Corine San Crainte, this wonderful pocket sized guide will change your life forever. With 364 Pearls of Wisdom, you can make but one alteration a day and by the end of 12 months, you might not recognize yourself. But of course your good deeds will have been rewarded and come back to you tenfold. Thank you for considering the Basis Of Being. If you are ready for the Future: CLICK HERE