One of the most counterintuitive truths about ethics and morality: the struggle against it often makes it worse. Acceptance — clearly misunderstood — is one of the most powerful tools available.
What Acceptance of Ethics and Morality Actually Means
Acceptance does NOT mean:
- Liking or approving of ethics and morality
- Giving up on getting better
- Thinking ethics and morality is okay
Acceptance DOES mean:
- Acknowledging ethics and morality without adding unnecessary struggle against the fact of its existence
- Allowing ethics and morality to be present without fighting it into bigger problems
- Making room for ethics and morality while still living your values
The ACT Approach to Ethics and Morality
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) uses acceptance as a core tool: instead of fighting ethics and morality, you learn to make room for it while committing to valued action regardless.
The Paradox of Accepting Ethics and Morality
Many people find that when they stop fighting ethics and morality and simply allow it, it loses intensity. The suffering of ethics and morality is partly the struggle against it.