Analysis of Ethics: Taking the Easy Way Out

Many support the sayings: "nothing in this world is easy." "only fools take the easy way out." What is "easy?" And, "what" are we trying to get out of? Obviously this depends on exactly what the choices are and our motives. One usually makes a decision based on morals and consequences. If "Taking the easy way out," will compromise your ethics, allow you to be unkind to others, aid in any type of deception or passively avoids a decision so that another must consider that dilemma, then, it is most often the wrong course of action. Of course, I am speaking subjectively because each of us has our own definition of what is right and wrong. And there are those who have no clear conscience to what is wrong, thus, they are guided solely by their feelings of gratification. In these situations, these people's only motivation is what is best for them, thus, they often take "the easy way out" of situations and have no qualms about doing so.

However, if "Taking the Easy way out," means that there is less of a burden on you, yet there is no deception or harm done to anyone else, then, it is perfectly acceptable to choose this path. when someone would rather remain silent instead of interjecting their opinion because it is either not wanted or would harm the ones involved, this might be called," Taking the easy way out." The person who is silent is not doing so because they are fearful of the consequences. They are doing this out of empathy or maybe just out of self preservation because they know that there is no point in stating their opinion when it is not well received or not accepted. Sometimes, when we are driving, we take shortcuts which are considered "easy ways." As long as these shortcuts are legal, then, it is perfectly normal to take them. "The easy way out," is also defined as doing something in a different manner which is less taxing on your time and energy than the more conventional and most popular way. Spell checkers, microwaves and internet shopping are all considered "the easy way out." Not very many of us would object to these attempts to make our lives more convenient.

Taking the easy way out can be cowardly or deceptive. Taking the easy way out is only cowardly when a person does it out of selfishness. I almost wrote: "or fear," However, in a situation where a person is at gun point and they must decide to fight or not, they might choose to submit. Would this be considered "taking the easy way out?" Maybe, but it would also be the most prudent for sustaining life. There are times when someone wants to get out of a situation and because they are afraid of the judgment of others, they disconnect with the situation altogether and thereby take the easy way out of the situation. Most people I know "take the easy way out," by:

1. avoiding issues that will later have worse consequences for all involved. If someone is aware that a crime or even deception might be committed and says nothing, they are taking the easy way out. If someone at work is misusing the resources and you find out, yet say nothing and allow the boss to find it out on his/her own, you are taking the easy way out of the situation. You have examined your options and have chosen to compromise your integrity for your fear of being confrontational. Your comfort is more important than your integrity or your work.

2. being vague and allowing others to assume instead of being up front and honest. Honesty is certainly not the "easy way out," of a situation, especially when you have something to lose by the confession. Some might say that technically, they weren't dishonest. However, by not shining light on the misconceptions, you are omitting information that would make one understand the situation even better which might lead to a different result.

3. finding a way to either avoid and/or lessen responsibility and/or consequences of one's actions. Usually "taking the easy way out," requires actions that don't permit you to either confront the situation or admit to each portion of a deception. In many of these situations, the person knows that they should receive consequences that they are uncomfortable with, but instead of accepting them, they try to lessen their discomfort. In these situations, I find it cowardly and deceptive to "take the easy way out."

Taking the easy way out is not always an undesirable character trait. However, when it compromises your integrity, someone else's well being or is used as a means of deception, it is not acceptable to me. There are times when it is advantageous to take the easy way out. Each person must make that evaluation for him/herself and be able to argue in good conscience their stance. If you believe that your friend or partner or family member continues to compromise their integrity or someone else's well being, then, you might want to reevaluate your connection. Maybe you are not compatible in your relationship. Eliminating these arguments of integrity certainly will lessen the drama in your life.