Uncompromisable Values: To-not-do List for a Million Dollars

The propensity of human nature is to lead us to lean toward comfort. And money is a desire that many have, simply because it is seen as a "problem solver" for the things it can buy. However, there are certain things in life that are priceless and cannot be bought with any amount of money. Even if I were offered a million dollars, there are certain things that I wouldn't do that could compromise my values.

"The love of money is the root of all evil," as we all know. And this fundamentally defines how one's inclination to get "comfortable" by all means can lead to devastating and detrimental outcomes for ourselves and even for others. And so when the offer of a million dollars to do something in exchange arises, it isn't out of the ordinary for the human mind to bend.

I've seen people literally offer their toes or do other unthinkable things just to get the seemingly massive offer. And so it begs the question: What are the boundaries for one when it comes to these kinds of dilemmas—jumping at the offer head-on or forfeiting the offer to uphold one's values?

I would love to live a soft life—one with all that I need and want—so that I need not worry about many things, such as the wellbeing of those I love and myself, and so I could have every fascinating tech gadget that may come in the future. But really, there are certain things I cannot engage in even if I were to be offered a million dollars ($$$).

Breaking the law:

Generally speaking, I am a person who often likes to live by the book. I really do not fancy the idea of getting into trouble of any sort, especially with the government. So to pose a task for the sake of a million dollars to do something against rules, regulations, and policies never sits well with me. The task may seem simple and "shouldn't be a big deal," as some would say, but the repercussions thereafter are the main reasons the rules were there in the first place.

Imagine something like "go plug in a malicious USB into the main computer of a bank and get a million dollars." It really is a simple task, depending on the bank, though (if you don't get shot at the entrance for suspicion), but just imagine what malware in a banking system can do to the money of a lot of innocent lives.

Putting my family or loved ones at risk

This one is something people do every now and then, not even for a million dollars. Humans are naturally self-interested and can breach boundaries between relationships for their own benefits. But really, if we can do certain things for petty rewards, how much more for a million dollars?

If I claim to love a person, that includes "not putting them in harm's way." It could be anything at all, from selling their secrets (betraying them), trading their personal belongings, or even taking their life. These are all things I wouldn't do against people I care about. And it's not just fronting; it's mostly because being considerate and thoughtful entails refraining from doing things that one wouldn't want done to oneself.

Putting myself at risk

Hurting myself is not even the last thing I want to do in this life; it's not on the list at all. I cannot see myself jumping off a train for even a bowl of chicken, unless the train is static. I wouldn't even do skydiving too.

Skydiving is a sport, yes, but you won't find me doing it. What is that word for those who are afraid of heights again? Acrophocpic people, like myself, adore the ground to the moon and back.

If I can't jump out of a moving train or plane for a million dollars, tell me why I'd do it for cynical reasons like cutting my toes off.I love myself too much to hurt myself.

Selling out my values and beliefs

Imagine there is a job that is about uncovering stories and reporting them—say, that of a journalist. And then a particular story arises, one that is sensitive. Let's say I'm being paid to vilify someone or frame an innocent person for a crime.

It crosses the boundaries of my ethical beliefs, and so therefore, I am going to pass. I just have to. What if it were to be Squid game that we are playing and someone was to make decisions over my life? I also wouldn't want my rights abused.

In conclusion, as for me, the love of money can be a powerful motivator, but there are certain things in life that are priceless and cannot be bought with any amount of money. I have my own personal boundaries and values that I hold dear and would not be willing to compromise, even for a large sum of money. Whether it's breaking the law, putting my loved ones at risk, harming myself, or selling out my values and beliefs, these are all things that I would not do, even if offered a million dollars.

I believe that it's important to consider the bigger picture and to weigh the potential consequences before making a decision that could compromise one's values or beliefs. And as for me, I strive to maintain my integrity and to do what is right, even when faced with the temptation of a large sum of money.

_{All images are mine}

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_{ℍ𝕖𝕪, 𝕚𝕗 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕖𝕟𝕛𝕠𝕪𝕖𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕡𝕠𝕤𝕥, 𝕜𝕚𝕟𝕕𝕝𝕪 𝕝𝕖𝕒𝕧𝕖 𝕒 𝕔𝕠𝕞𝕞𝕖𝕟𝕥, 𝕣𝕖𝕓𝕝𝕠𝕘, 𝕠𝕣 𝕦𝕡𝕧𝕠𝕥𝕖. 𝕀𝕥'𝕝𝕝 𝕤𝕦𝕣𝕖 𝕓𝕖 𝕒𝕡𝕡𝕣𝕖𝕔𝕚𝕒𝕥𝕖𝕕.}

𝒮𝑒𝑒 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒾𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓃𝑒𝓍𝓉 . . .