As 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!
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.
