This chapter, which concludes Shakespeare’s Moral Compass, finds that all six of Jonathan Haidt’s moral foundations – authority, loyalty, fairness, sanctity, care, and liberty – are registered in Shakespeare’s plays, but they do not function independently of each other. Rather, they form an interlocking set of principles which together we can call “Shakespeare’s Moral Compass”. These interlocking principles can coalesce to form positive or negative outcomes: the “Virtuous Circle” or the “Vicious Circle”. It argues that for all his undoubted complexity, there are four simple lessons that run through all of Shakespeare’s plays: first, there is always a choice, it is never too late to choose to do the right thing. Second, the responsibility ultimately stops with you, because there is no divine or cosmic justice that will otherwise intervene; accordingly do not expect rewards or recognition for your good deeds. Third, we should not write anyone off, but rather make an effort to understand where they coming from, and try to see things from their point of view, because empathy and compassion are better than hatred, both morally and consequentially. Fourth, if we feel hard done by or slighted by unfairness, mercy is better than revenge both morally and consequentially.
The Value of Islamic Guidance for Corporate Governance
