Not All Morality is Moral
But True Morality is Timeless
Morality, at its core, is a code of conduct designed to help individuals navigate life in alignment with what their societies define as right and wrong. It is the framework that governs human interaction, guiding decisions and behaviors under the assumption that these rules reflect the highest good. But history has shown us, time and again, that not all morality is moral. What societies deem "right" is often shaped by power, convenience, and cultural norms rather than by any objective standard of virtue.
Consider the institution of slavery, a practice that spanned millennia and was widely accepted across civilizations. From the Roman Empire to the antebellum South, slavery was justified as a moral good—necessary for economic prosperity, divinely sanctioned, or simply the natural order of things. Slave owners believed themselves to be morally upright, fulfilling their society's expectations. Yet from any perspective grounded in true virtue, slavery is an abomination. The moral code that allowed it to flourish was one built on self-interest and subjugation, not justice.
The treatment of women as property follows a similar pattern. In many societies throughout history, women were denied basic rights, treated as commodities to be exchanged in marriage, or legally bound to obey male authority. These customs were not considered immoral by the societies that upheld them; rather, they were seen as natural and even virtuous. However, a moral framework built on justice, wisdom, and temperance exposes the inherent wrongness of such oppression.
Even human sacrifice—an act we instinctively recoil from today—was once embedded in the moral codes of powerful civilizations. The worship of Baal in the ancient Near East involved child sacrifice, considered by its practitioners to be the ultimate expression of devotion. The Aztecs engaged in ritualistic sacrifices to appease the gods, believing that these acts maintained cosmic balance. These were not seen as acts of barbarism but as moral duties within their cultural and religious contexts. And yet, no truly virtuous society could condone the sacrifice of innocent lives in the name of faith or tradition.
The divine right of kings further exemplifies how morality can be twisted to serve power. For centuries, rulers claimed their authority was bestowed by God, and their decrees were, therefore, beyond moral scrutiny. Under this system, the oppression of peasants, the waging of unjust wars, and the suppression of dissent were justified as moral necessities. This was not morality—it was a self-serving construct that allowed those in power to act without accountability.
What, then, is true morality? If societies can define and redefine right and wrong to suit their needs, is there a moral framework that transcends time, power, and cultural bias? The answer lies in the Stoic virtues: Wisdom, Courage, Temperance, and Justice.
These four virtues provide an enduring foundation for morality, one that has withstood the test of millennia. Wisdom demands discernment and rational thought, ensuring that morality is not dictated by fleeting cultural trends but by principles rooted in truth. Courage compels individuals to stand against unjust norms, even when society deems them acceptable. Temperance teaches self-restraint, preventing excess and ensuring that moral codes are not driven by selfish desires. Justice, the highest virtue, demands that all individuals are treated fairly and with dignity, rejecting oppression and cruelty in all forms.
A moral code built on these virtues cannot be bent to justify slavery, subjugation, or sacrifice. It does not serve the interests of the powerful at the expense of the weak. It is not shaped by convenience but by an unwavering commitment to what is right.
In the modern world, morality is still being rewritten to suit the agendas of those in power. What was unthinkable a generation ago is now championed as righteous. Popular culture, media, and political movements constantly seek to redefine right and wrong, often with little regard for virtue. But morality is not a trend. It is not a tool of power. And it is not something to be dictated by those who shout the loudest.
True morality is timeless. It is grounded in virtue, not in cultural whims or political expediency. It is our duty to recognize when morality is being twisted to serve interests that are anything but virtuous and to stand firm in our commitment to justice, wisdom, courage, and temperance. While societies may change, truth does not. And in the end, only a morality built on virtue can withstand the tests of time.
If you want to learn more about how to reestablish a moral foundation in your life, consider reading *A Fortress of Virtue*. You can get a free PDF of the book’s contents or purchase the book to read with your e-reader at https://leanpub.com/afortressofvirtue.