This is no harm

BYUEthics.org directed me to a talk by Marvin J. Ashton in May 1982 titled "This is no harm". The reading points out important aspects about ethics. The link to the talk is:

https://lds.org/ensign/1982/05/this-is-no-harm?cid=email-shared&lang=eng


Three teachings stood out to me:

1. "Avoid those that want immediate decisions or cash right now". Insurance companies, for example, will offer you an amount of money immediately after a car accident if you sign an agreement right away. They know that if you sign now, you will not be able to ask more money later, even if you find out that you deserved or needed more. Unethical people will have you act on impulsive behavior now instead of rational choices later, after you have put some thought. We need to make sure we understand the situation and its implications before we make a choice. Take your time.
2. There is no gray area between right and wrong, Elder Ashton says. This being said, some of the hardest decisions are not between right and wrong but between right and right. For example, in a company, employees might be required to make decisions that benefit stockholders but damage the community, or benefit the community but damage stockholders. This is why finding alternatives where both parties can be satisfied is key. We need not rely solely on our knowledge and reasoning.  Elder Ashton mentions that if you cannot reach a conclusion on your own then "advice should be sought from knowledgeable and trusted counselors". It might be a father, a Bishop, or any person that we consider reputable.
3. The final takeaway is that people lie to avoid personal embarrassment. In other words, we lie because we lack courage. And I totally agree. In fact, I think that we lack courage because of the opportunity cost of telling the truth. Sometimes, by acting with courage we will lose a friendship, a job, or a business deal.