APHORISMS are short enigmatic sayings, atype of pre-social media truisms, that convey deep philosophical meaning. In our ego-centered age of

selfishness, David Lucas points us to the way for an emotionally richer, fulfilling life. Do The Right Thing invites us to reflect on the meaning of life, but not to dwell there. He encourages us to ponder these timeless truths, then to engage in a positive manner in relationships to others and with our community I've found it important to recognize that the way we act in business, just as in every other arena of life, is a function of our core values and our worldview. The essentials of how we are as a person, and in business or professional life, is a small set of guiding principles-core values distilled into a few words Our core values define us. They are what we stand for. Therefore, the starting point of the examined life is first do the right thing. This is the value by which you measure everything else in your life. But we don't just come upon the "right thing" without effort.

The effort comes from what I've called an examined life. Learning from your mistakes is important, but questioning and evaluating who you are, what you stand for, and defining your place in your community requires self-examination. When you have an annual checkup with your doctor, she performs a detailed examination. The self-examined life requires a similar evaluation, but of principles and ideas rather than physical findings.

This book is not a roadmap for a better life or a guidebook for more happiness. It is a call to a principle-guided life. It is like knowing that every day, even when it's cloudy and raining, the sun rises in the east and sets in the west.