Loyalty |
I, your computer, have no ability to "betray you". I would be a "traitor", if I consciously refuse to give you the data you ask me for. If one time I fail you, do not call me a "traitor"; instead go see a computer technician. I am no more than a machine without a soul and without feelings. I do not have space to be a "traitor" nor the loyalty which is the opposite virtue. Loyalty is a thing of loyal people just like you. It is not easy to explain what loyalty is. I have given you a vague idea already, because l told you that it is the opposite of treason. But, even if it is difficult I am going to try again. Can you help me?
Over the course of life, people come together, form bonds and links with other people, groups and institutions. When we say that we "belong" to a certain family, to a club, to a college, etc. , we would like to express this: that we have linked ourselves in one way or another to a particular group.
By now you must have realized already that the words "bond", "link", "belong to”, etc., repeat themselves. This is fundamental to loyalty. It is not necessary for this linkage to be manifested with words or in writing. Generally, children and friends do not make explicit statements of belonging. Friendship and the family have some implicit links, which are implicit, and which are enough.
Loyalty, therefore, is to commit to maintain the links that we have contracted with others (friends, family, school, clubs, etc.) by strengthening and protecting the values that are present in them (friendship, family, sports, etc.).
Another way, which is more brief and clear, would be: to maintain and fulfill what is promised.
To sum it up: A person is loyal when he or she remains with the group or a person with whom there is a link. When you protect, support and defend the values (such as friendship, sports, family, religion, etc.) of the institution to which you are linked to.
If at a given moment a conflict arises, for example that you cannot be fair at the same time with both your friend and with your club, loyalty naturally leads us to decide according to the greatest importance of the values of the institutions in conflict. And once the decision is made, we must explain, out of loyalty, to the other institution, which could feel betrayed, the reasons for our decision. This is why some say that the one who notifies, is not a traitor.
You will learn about loyalty by:
* Developing the sense of honor within you.
* Taking into account the dignity of others.
* Acting with responsibility.
* Being constant and faithful when fulfilling your duties.
* Not cheating in games.
* Accepting with an open heart the standards of the institution to which you are linked.
A loyal person can ensure the stability and proper functioning of the institutions. Of friendship, above all, which is the strongest pillar that supports the others. Wouldn't you like to be like this?
Don Samuel Valero
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