Do No Harm

I recently found a pretty cool website.

Do No Harm is a non-profit web site that promotes just what it says.

from their main page:

We seem to be living in a world that is getting less hospitable every day. Look closely at any endeavor our species has engaged in and it appears we are unaware of the harm we do, we ignore the harm we do, we intentionally do harm for our own gain, or sadly in some cases we do harm for our own pleasure and enjoyment.

Has no one taught us to do no harm?

If we haven’t been taught to do no harm, we see no harm in doing harm. We cause harm and shrug it off. We cause harm and laugh about it. We cause harm and brag about it.

Sadder still, our children bear witness to our actions and never learn to do no harm themselves. Above all else we must teach our children, by example and instruction, this basic moral principle of life.

We must begin to make better choices and treat each other, the other creatures who share this planet with us, and this planet we call home with greater respect and compassion.

We believe that the first and most basic moral law is, “Do no harm.” Because we can feel pain and suffering, we can imagine the pain and suffering of others, and we can act accordingly to minimize the harm we cause.

What does “do no harm” mean? Ultimately it means to give thoughtful consideration to our actions. “Do no harm” simply means to consider how our actions may affect the world we all share, to be compassionate in our dealings with all creatures, and not to thoughtlessly despoil our planet.

Doctors are asked to “first do no harm,” why not lawyers, businessmen, religious leaders and politicians? Why not us? Why not now?

It sounds like a simple idea because it is a simple idea, but it may be effective over the long run. Will “do no harm” solve all the problems in our world? Perhaps not, but this is an effort to decrease the suffering in the world and to increase the kindness.

We hope that “do no harm” becomes that little voice that guides our actions.

And we hope you will join us and spread the message “Do no harm.”

Show everyone you care and use “Do no harm” to sign-off in your correspondence in place of “Best Wishes”, “Yours” or “Regards.”

If you have a web site, be proud of your support and add the words “Do No Harm” to the top of your home page where everyone will see it.

Be bold and creative in thinking of ways to expose as many as possible to the “Do No Harm” message, but please, do no harm in doing so.

It is not necessary to mention the source of the message. This is certainly a case where the message is far more important than the messengers. All we ask is that you practice do no harm and take every opportunity to share the words “do no harm” with others.

If you wish to include this essay or link to the “Do No Harm” web page, please do; or if you wish to change the wording or write your own, that’s equally OK with us. If we are to change our world for the better, we simply must share the “Do No Harm” message with family and friends, with neighbors and our community.

(my emphasis)

this is an idea that i completely believe in.

this is something i try to live every day (not always succeeding)

then i saw their rules:

DO NO HARM is a non-profit non-organization.

If you think you’re a member,

You’re a member.

If you think you’re not a member,

You’re an honorary member.

There are no dues or fees.

There are no donations.

There is no official language or terminology.

There are no approved or disapproved concepts.

There is nothing special that you must believe.

There is nothing special that you must do or not do.

But . . . do no harm.

p.s:  Although not required, a sense of humor is helpful.

Great Rules huh?

i have written to the Do No Harm people to add firefly-dreaming to their links page & to add my name as co-author on their front page. (quoted above) You too can be a co-author by sending your first & last name, city, state & country to: [email protected]

I also asked to be a distributor of their free promotional material: bumper stickers, window decals & wristbands.

you can get your own batch of free stuff to put on your bumper & distribute to your friends. all you have to do is write to: [email protected]  & give them your name & address.

i’ve made a “badge” & added it to my blog & also added them in my links list.

i encourage you to do the same  

I’m hoping you will all join me in promoting