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Nazareth, Pa., United States

Tuesday, October 24, 2006

"Do No Harm" Movement Starts Here in the Lehigh Valley

Photobucket - Video and Image HostingAs a young pup, I spent a year or so working in a lab, and nearly bankrupted J.T. Baker Chemical Co. with little explosions here and there. One of their few survivors, Chuck Keiser, must have been deeply affected by his near death experiences when he worked with me.

He's just started the Do No Harm movement. Membership is free. Let's hear it in his words.


We seem to be living in a world that is getting meaner every day. We are either oblivious of the harm we cause or we ignore the harm we cause. Could it be because no one taught us otherwise?

Could it be because no one ever asked us to do no harm?

If we look at just about any endeavor our species has engaged in, it would seem we are unaware of the harm we do to others, or we intentionally do harm for our own gain, and sadly in some cases for our own pleasure and enjoyment.

Since we haven't been taught otherwise we see no harm in doing harm. We cause harm and shrug it off. We cause harm and laugh about it. We cause harm and brag about it.

Worse, our children bear witness to our actions and never learn to do no harm. Above all else we must teach our children, by example and instruction, this simple philosophy of life.

If we are to become a more evolved species we must begin to make better choices and treat each other with more respect, and that includes the other creatures who share this planet with us, and this planet we call home.

We believe that the first and most basic moral law is, "Do no harm." Why? Because we can feel pain and suffering, we can imagine the pain and suffering of others. Because we can imagine the pain and suffering of others, we can act accordingly.

What does "do no harm" mean? For some it means arbitrary restrictions of action (not to strike or kill), speech (not to lie or insult), and thought. But what it ultimately means is thoughtful consideration. “Do no harm” simply means to consider how our actions may affect the world we all share, to be compassionate in our dealings with all creatures, and not to despoil our planet.

Doctors are asked to “first do no harm,” why not lawyers, businessmen, religious leaders and politicians? Why not us? Why not now?

The very least we can do is to attempt to do no harm, and leave the world no worse than as we found it.

It sounds like a simple idea, because it is a simple idea, but it just may be effective over the long run. Will “do no harm” solve all the problems in our world? Perhaps not, but this is an effort to decrease the nastiness in the world and to increase the kindness.

We hope that “do no harm” becomes that little voice that guides our actions.

And we hope you will join the movement and spread the message "Do no harm."

Show everyone you care and use “Do no harm” to sign-off in your correspondence in place of "Best Wishes", "Yours" or "Regards."

If you have a web site, be proud of your support and add the words “Do No Harm” to the top of your home page were everyone will see it.

Be bold and creative in thinking of ways to expose as many as possible to the “Do No Harm” message, but please, do no harm in doing so.

Do No Harm!
Chuck, you knew me 35 years ago, when I still could learn. I just have one question for you. Why the frick did you wait until now to tell me this? Do no harm??? My two kids are now in mental institutions (or college), every politician in the Lehigh Valley hates my guts, and just about every woman I've ever met has a voodoo doll with my name on it. Do no harm??

All kidding aside, Chuck proposes a very noble sentiment so long as people don't confuse "do no harm" with "don't get involved." It's easy enough to understand. Even I get it. Thanks, Chuck. I'll try.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the support my old friend. To try and do no harm is all we are asking. All we stand to gain is a kinder and more compassionate world.

But you forgot to mention we are giving away Do No Harm bumper stickers to anyone who would like to support the movement.
Just send me a self addressed stamped business size envelope and I would be delighted to send you a free high quality vinyl bumper sticker in your choice of black on white or white on black.

Send you request to:

C. C. Keiser
4828 Maple Drive
Walnutport PA, 18088

Do No Harm

Chuck

BTW, since I have had them on my Honda I have had very few tailgaters! ;o)

Bernie O'Hare said...

Chuck, It was my pleasure to post your very kind essay. And I received two bumper stickers in the mail from you today. I'll carry one with me at all times, just in case. Take care.

Anonymous said...

We can all start by not eating other creatures; you don't have to go vegan; vegetarian will do. No eggs though; drink soymilk--tastes better--and is better for you.

A little cheese is ok. ice cream, too. Vegan ice cream is good and fattening!

Serve meat only to your cats and dogs. Treat them well. Don't cage them but don't let them run wild either.

Don't wear snakeskin or alligators, etc. Don't patronize circuses that have elephants or big cats.

Avoid most zoos. NEVER GO TO DOLPHIN SHOWS. DON'T WEAR FUR!

Don't patronize pet stores---DON'T put a bird in a cage--let it fly!!

Mosquitos should die. Let flies out of the window before swatting. Sometimes you gotta kill the ants inside because they do not quit until your house goes down. But don't hurt bats or spiders or even stink bugs (which don't stink).

Try not to hunt---------at least do not TRAP!

List is pretty much endless. Oh, and please do not be a tree-killer.

And Chuck---thanxx for being a good guy!!

Anonymous said...

Mr.O'Hare--thanxx for posting this!!

Ronald 'More-More' Moshki.

Bernie O'Hare said...

Monsieur Moshki, The thanks must go to Chuck Keiser. He's quite a writer. His posts are always welcome here.

Anonymous said...

Dear Moshki
Thank you for your post, but Everyone will have their own concept of what constitutes Harm and what doing no harm means.

As you stated the list is pretty near endless. We leave the infinite details up to each to figure out.

It's your life; you have to live it. We trust you will know when do no harm applies to you personally.

Do No Harm

Chuck

Anonymous said...

By The Way, I am not alone in this endeavor. Most of the credit for getting the Do No Harm movement off the ground belongs to my co-conspirator and good friend Clyde Grossman. He is absolutely the perfect partner.

Do No Harm!

Chuck