In reading a blog the other day, I came across a concept that sparked my imagination and really got me to thinking. That concept was an “Ethical Will.” The idea is that instead of leaving your descendants money or physical objects, you would leave them your best ideas on moral values and right conduct. Currently wills are all about money. Does anyone provide moral guidance? Which is more valuable? Would money or ethical guidance better stand the test of time? How would you provide an Ethical Will? What would it consist of? 

My thoughts led to maxims. A maxim is a rarely used term that means “A succinct formulation of a fundamental principle, general truth, or rule of conduct. A saying.” In other words – a good quote. I am all about brevity. Keep it short and sweet. Provide a very select, but very powerful collection of maxims that would provide the best help on a daily basis to your grandchildren and future descendants. Give them maxims that been helpful to you in your daily life. Thoughts that you remind yourself of when things get tough. Words that have help you get through hard times.

No one likes a long lecture. Not even people that love you. If you write a 200 page essay on the value of gratitude, the end result will probably be that they will be grateful they were able to get to the end and they will be grateful you didn’t write 300 pages. But if instead you leave them with the maxim – “A wise person does not grieve for the things they do not have, but rather rejoices for the things they do have” – then they will be grateful for your brevity and they will also understand quickly and easily an important thought you are giving to them in your Ethical Will.