What drives greed? (And what can anyone do about it?)

Our series on the cornerstones of integrity has brought us to the topic of greed and what drives it.

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Let's ask Confucius if greed is good

Photo courtesy of WikipediaOur discussion in this series of the seventh cornerstone 廉 -- which means honesty and incorruptibility -- brings us to the topic of greed.

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'The same ambition can destroy or save'

We're examining the cornerstones that define integrity. There are eight in all. The first four cornerstones pertain to relationships with parents, older siblings, superiors, and with friends. The next four cornerstones relate to personal conduct. We've discussed propriety and honor. Now we move on to 廉 -- incorruptibility.

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Is integrity even possible?

Our recent series has focused on how to recognize and define the qualities that work together in an individual to become the great virtue we refer to as integrity.

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The inconvenience of virtue

The next cornerstone of integrity is 义 -- a word that means righteousness and honor.

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Learning the language of ethics

The fifth cornerstone of integrity is propriety. And so we start by asking: Is one born with the ability to distinguish right from wrong and if not, how can it be developed and can it be lost?

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How Confucius hired the right person for that job

Our ability to read another's credibility or trustworthiness can only be honed if we know how to unmask the façade and see the true self. Only then can we avoid falling prey to the Bernie Madoffs of this world.

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Confucius and the Q Factor

Why do we continue to trust the Charles Ponzis of the world? (Photo courtesy of Wiki Commons)The fourth cornerstone of integrity is Trust 信 (xin).

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We act on our deepest beliefs

Tarek al-Tayeb Mohamed Bouazizi (1984 – 2011 (image courtesy of Wikipedia)Let's continue our exploration of the cornerstones which define integrity. And let's see where that path will finally bring us.

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Father (and mother) really did know best

The Andersons from Father Knows Best (photo courtesy of Wikipedia)My prior post about honesty and loyalty elicited several thoughtful comments. One reader asked about the contrast between Confucian doctrine and values and modern China.

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