12-07-2025
26 Of The Best Personal Moral Codes People Live By
Recently, I came across a post from Reddit user ApprehensiveWorth576 on the popular Ask Reddit page asking, "What's a moral code you live by but the rest of society doesn't?" It got tons of responses, and they were super fun to read, so I thought I would share. Here are some of the most interesting:
"Never give your word lightly."
"If someone makes a mistake in public, I pretend I didn't see it to spare them the embarrassment. Feels like the world is in a rush to point out flaws. I'd rather help, especially when it will probably be me on the receiving end next time."
"Unless a model develops full, provable sapience, I will not willingly or knowingly engage with any sort of AI."
"Try to leave things better than the way you originally found them."
"I always say thank you when a stranger does anything for me, no matter how small or if they are obligated. Same with 'please' when I'm asking anything, especially for people who are working."
"I always use a turn signal."
"I don't recline my seat on planes. I know it's my right, I know I'm allowed, but I've been inconvenienced and made uncomfortable so often by so many people in front of me who recline the MILLISECOND they're able and smush me into my tray for the duration of flights ranging from three to 13 hours, I just can't bring myself to be that person. I don't begrudge people that do because I know they're allowed to, but I refuse."
"If you wouldn't like it done to you, don't do it to them."
"Demilitarize your attitude at work. Corporate doesn't know or care who you are, but you have to see your coworkers every day. Don't make them hate being scheduled with you."
—Former retail and movie theater manager, u/Acrobatic_Carry7449
"Don't profit from family."
"Don't make promises you can't keep. I avoid telling someone I'll do something unless I 100% intend on doing it. I'd rather tell someone no than get their hopes up with a yes if I'm not going to follow through!"
"If you're not early, you're late. I hate waiting. I could have absolutely nothing to do and be in no rush, but if I'm waiting, I get annoyed."
"Acknowledging my contribution to a problem."
"Self-awareness. Like, why are you watching a YouTube video at the airport gate without headphones?"
"Be silly even when you're sad. Someone needs it."
"If anyone needs to be standing on the bus, be among the standing ones."
"Do nice things, not so people 'owe you' or you want something out of them, but because it's the right thing to do."
"Minding my own business. I hate it when people talk about my life, so I try not to talk about others. Gossip is fucking stupid and nosey."
"I believe all people are worthy of a living wage just by existing. Clearly, this is not a popular opinion."
"If it doesn't hurt anyone, cost me money, or fuck up traffic, live how you want."
"No phones when we're having a conversation. I finally put my foot down and made it a rule in my home, and even made my parents agree to it."
"Stay out of the left lane on a highway unless you are actively passing another car."
"Help as many people as you can for as long as you can."
"If you have your hood up in a parking lot, I'm asking if I can help. I've helped more people change flat tires than I can count. Same with pulling people's cars out of the sand at the beach (you can drive on the beach in Texas)."
"Always return your shopping cart. Don't litter. Don't correct someone if it doesn't matter. Don't talk on your speakerphone in public. Be kind to service workers."
And finally: "Be excellent to each other."
So, what do you think?
