Why do the right thing? Part 2

Why do the "right" thing when everyone else is doing the "wrong" thing? The previous post talks about psychological reasons and character traits (upbringing, shame, religion), as well as physiological reasons why people do the right thing. I'd like to explore other factors that affect the choice of taking the right or wrong path: courage, caring for self or society, discernment (or wisdom), and mortality. These are all complex topics on their own and will take several posts. I've solicited assistance from others and I'm hoping to expand this 'conversation' to include these experts.

First of all, let's be clear on a couple of things. We described this introspection we're taking as a journey and I've just volunteered as our tour guide (for now), but have no claims on being the righteous guru. The other is that we have all decided to make it this far in our journey because we believe we will become better human beings as we travel together. Let me offer some words of inspiration from an unnamed French philosopher:

We are not human beings having a spiritual experience.
We are spiritual beings having a human experience.

Whether you're religious or not, it's hard to argue against the 'spirit' inside each of us that enables us to do amazing things. Any spirited child of the world, from whatever religious upbringing or none, affluent or poor, can easily be distinguished from a child that has given up on the world and spiritless. I believe it is this inner strength or courage that helps point us to the right path. A recent article entitled "New Rule: Hire a courageous CEO" highlights the shift from charismatic leaders to CEOs who "have the courage of your convictions" according to Cisco CEO, John Chambers. Intel CEO, Immelt agrees that you must be willing to spend time "in the wilderness with no love," describing the oftentimes lonely road to the right path.