"La moralité ne signifie pas « suivre des ordres divins ». Elle signifie réduire la souffrance."

Morality is all about making choices that minimize suffering for ourselves and those around us. It’s not about adhering to divine commands or ancient texts blindly. Instead, it’s about the practical impact of our actions on the well-being of others.

This idea isn't new, though. Philosophers like Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill have long argued that the right action is the one that produces the greatest good for the greatest number. They called this utilitarianism. It’s a down-to-earth, common-sense approach: if what you're doing causes more harm than good, it’s probably wrong. It’s really that straightforward.

Let’s look at a real-life example. Take the act of lying. Now, some might argue that lying is against divine orders. But let’s see it through the lens of reducing suffering. Imagine you’ve got a friend who's just been through a rough breakup. They ask if you think their ex was ever really in love with them. A harsh truth might add to their misery. On the other hand, a gentle lie might provide some comfort during a tough time. In this case, the moral choice might be to tell a white lie, because it reduces their immediate suffering. It's all about context and the actual impact of the action.

So how can you apply this idea in your daily life? Start by asking yourself a simple question before you act: “Will this reduce suffering, or will it add to it?” It's a practical way to gauge the morality of your actions. It’s not always easy, but it’s a good rule of thumb. We’re not perfect, and sometimes we’ll get it wrong, but the effort to consider the consequences of our actions is what matters.

Picture this: You’re in a team at work, and a mistake has been made. Your first instinct might be to find out who’s to blame. That’s natural. But think about the fallout. Blame can lead to resentment, stress, and division within the team. Now, consider the alternative. What if instead, you focus on how to fix the mistake and make sure it doesn’t happen again? This approach reduces suffering by avoiding blame games and fostering a supportive environment.

Here’s a relatable story. Think about a time when you were a kid and you saw another classmate being bullied. Maybe the bullies were your friends. You knew deep down it was wrong, but saying something meant you might become a target too. The easy choice might be to stay silent. But what if you stepped in? Maybe you didn't quote any divine orders, but you knew that standing up to the bullies would reduce the suffering of the victim. Your actions, grounded in minimizing harm, would be a clear application of this moral principle.

In a nutshell, focusing on reducing suffering helps cut through the noise of moral debates and dogma. It’s a compass pointing towards compassion and empathy—making the world just a little bit kinder one decision at a time. So next time you’re faced with a moral dilemma, think less about rules and more about the real-world impact of your actions. You might be surprised at how clear the path becomes.