Three Wise Monkeys

At my secondary school, there was a teacher called Mr Robson.

He was a fearsome character yet much respected.

So, when he took to the stage at our daily assembly one morning, we listened intently.

It was unprecedented.

Mr Robson spoke of the importance of honesty and accountability.

He gave an example of being given too much change in error in a shop, and keeping the extra money as if we had won a prize.

It was a perk, we deserved it, just fortune smiling on us.

But, it was still wrong.

He explained to around 250 teenagers that the person manning the til would likely have that money deducted from their pay.

In the worst case, they could themselves be accused of stealing and lose their job.

I remember we stood silent, regretful at the times we had thought ourselves lucky at someone else's expense, ignorant of the implications of our actions.

This is rightly a lesson for children.

But it never hurts to revisit lessons and apply them to our lives.

There are consequences to all of our actions, no matter how small.

I have recalled Mr Robson's assembly many times throughout my life and wonder how many other students have done the same.

Sometimes the briefest of lessons stay with us to lasting effect.

This was given to me to share.

Don't live your life at the expense of others. Apply thought, word and deed with care.

It is your legacy.

Focus on the light, always,

This article was originally published on my newsletter.