Brian’s Reflection: Tuesday, February 5, 2008


The only possible ethic is to do what one wants to do.

- William Burroughs, author, born on this day, 1914



Ah. A fascinating character. A “bad boy” – like so many artists. Many people seem to be willing to “make allowances” for artists. I find that interesting ….. and a little ray of hope for the repressed and judgmentally pious of the World.

Maybe there are some philosophers out there who can critique this statement from a formal philosophical basis. I can’t. Philosophy always confuses me, alas. But then again, so do maps.

Theologically speaking (loosely, of course, since I am in the ballpark but can hardly claim expertise!), I think Burroughs is correct. “Ethic” means a system of moral standards or principles. Interestingly enough, “ethic” in English usage is a 19th century word, but deriving ultimately from the Greek “ethos”. And here’s what strikes me as important. “Ethos” means “of one’s character or nature”.

An ethic, to be one, has to be part of our character or nature. But that doesn’t mean, theologically, that we can have a fundamental ethic of evil. “Theology” means “study of divine things”. In Christianity, at least, we believe God is Good. And that we, created in God’s image, are ultimately Good, despite the fact of our freedom to choose to be “bad”. The Christian Ethic, which is part of our nature and character as a Child of God, requires that we be “good as God is good”.

Therefore, ultimately, Christians want to do good - regardless of how often we aren’t. No matter how much we fail, our ethic doesn’t change. It’s “what one wants to do”. As Burroughs says, it’s the only possible ethic for a human being. Do what you want – this will always tell us at least where we stand.

Confused? Me too!

Anyway, do what you want to do today. How does it make you feel? More - or less - the human being you want to be, in your own eyes, or in the eyes of those you love and respect?

Hmmmm. (Don’t worry; I won’t do this too often!)

Brian+