do not harm do the right thing
how young should we teach Risks of Engaging with Sex Workers:
It's important to start age-appropriate education early, focusing on broader topics like consent, respect, and healthy relationships. As children grow older, you can introduce more specific discussions about the risks associated with engaging with sex workers, including health risks, emotional impacts, and legal considerations. Tailoring the information to their developmental stage ensures they understand and can make informed decisions as they mature.
Policy on the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse
Purpose
This policy aims to protect children from any form of sexual exploitation and abuse, ensuring their safety and well-being. It outlines the prohibited activities and the measures to prevent and address such issues.
Scope
This policy applies to all individuals, organizations, and entities involved in activities that may impact children, including but not limited to employees, volunteers, contractors, and partners.
Prohibited Activities
Child Sexual Abuse Materials: Any creation, distribution, or possession of materials that sexually exploit or abuse children is strictly prohibited.
Child Grooming: Engaging in any behavior aimed at befriending a child online or offline to facilitate sexual contact or exchange sexual imagery is forbidden.
Sextortion: Threatening or blackmailing a child by using real or alleged access to their intimate images is prohibited.
Sexualization of a Minor: Any content that depicts, encourages, or promotes the sexual abuse or exploitation of children is banned.
Child Trafficking: Advertising or soliciting a child for commercial sexual exploitation is strictly prohibited.
Prevention Measures
Education and Training: Provide regular training for all individuals involved with children on recognizing and preventing sexual exploitation and abuse.
Background Checks: Conduct thorough background checks on all employees, volunteers, and contractors working with children.
Reporting Mechanisms: Establish clear and confidential reporting mechanisms for suspected cases of child exploitation and abuse.
Support Services: Offer support services for victims of child exploitation and abuse, including counseling and legal assistance.
Monitoring and Evaluation: Regularly monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of prevention measures and update policies as needed.
Reporting and Response
Immediate Action: Take immediate action upon receiving a report of child exploitation or abuse, ensuring the child's safety.
Investigation: Conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into all reports of child exploitation and abuse.
Legal Action: Cooperate with law enforcement and legal authorities to ensure perpetrators are held accountable.
Support for Victims: Provide ongoing support and resources for victims of child exploitation and abuse.
Conclusion
The protection of children from sexual exploitation and abuse is a fundamental responsibility. This policy outlines the necessary steps to prevent, address, and respond to such issues, ensuring the safety and well-being of all children.
This policy aims to create a safe environment for children and prevent any form of exploitation or abuse. If you have any specific questions or need further details, feel free to ask.
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Religious experience, particularly within a Christian framework, delves into the profound and often inexplicable encounters individuals have with the divine. It encompasses a spectrum of phenomena, from deeply personal spiritual insights to communal worship and the transformative impact of faith on daily life. The "mystery of life" from a Christian perspective is not about an absence of meaning, but rather an acknowledgment of God's incomprehensible nature and His overarching plan for humanity, which often unfolds in ways beyond human understanding.
According to www.iAsk.Ai - Ask AI:
Religious experience, within a Christian context, refers to the subjective encounter and interaction with God, often characterized by a sense of His presence, divine revelation, or a profound spiritual transformation. This experience is not merely intellectual assent to doctrines but involves the whole person—affectively, epistemologically, morally, and socially[1]. It is a "graced act through which a person becomes affectively aware of the meaning of the event of Christ and of the encounter with him."[1] The mystery of life, from a Christian viewpoint, acknowledges that while God has revealed much, His ways and ultimate purposes remain beyond full human comprehension, prompting a journey of faith and discovery rather than a complete unraveling of all unknowns[2].
The concept of religious experience is deeply embedded in Christian theology. Charles S. Price, a prominent Pentecostal evangelist, explored the intricate dynamics of the spirit, soul, and body, emphasizing the spirit's control for a life of peace and communion with God[3]. He highlighted that life itself is a mystery, and humans ponder the spirit and soul dwelling within the body[3]. The Bible, according to Price, records the proper order as "spirit, soul and body," with the spirit being the most important, though often the least understood[3]. Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones further elaborated on the nature of a true biblical spiritual experience, stating it is not something conjured by human emotions but brought about by God, often manifesting through spiritual means rather than physical ones[6]. These manifestations, while varied, primarily occur through the Scriptures, illuminating Christ's presence and transforming the believer[6].
The "mystery of life" in Christianity is often explored through biblical texts, particularly the Book of Ecclesiastes. Pastor Jason Lim, in a sermon titled "The Mystery of Life," draws parallels between life and a "reality escape game," where individuals are "trapped in a room" and must search for clues to "break out."[2] He interprets Ecclesiastes 3, which speaks of "a time for everything," not as words of comfort but as a reflection of the frustrating limitations and extremes of human experience under the sun[2]. Solomon, the author of Ecclesiastes, questions the gain from toil in such a confined existence, leading to a sense of despair rather than encouragement[2]. However, Lim suggests that Solomon acts as a "kind Game Master," providing clues that point to God's design and purpose, even in the midst of apparent chaos[2]. These clues include the belief that life is not random, that God makes "everything beautiful in his time," and that God has "put eternity into man's heart."[2] This inherent sense of eternity, a distinction from animals, suggests a longing for something beyond the present life, a clue that life under the sun is not all there is[2].
The ultimate purpose of this "mystery room" of life, according to Ecclesiastes 3:14, is "so that people fear before him."[2] This "fear of God" is not about being scared, but about recognizing human smallness in contrast to God's greatness, leading to joy and obedience[2]. It is through this fear that individuals can "break out" of the meaningless cycle of life and find true joy and purpose[2]. C.S. Lewis's quote, "Our Heavenly Father has provided many delightful inns for us along our journey, but he takes great care to see that we do not mistake any of them for home," encapsulates this idea, suggesting that earthly pleasures are temporary "inns" meant to direct us "home" to God[2].
From a Catholic perspective, the central mystery of Christian faith and life is the Most Holy Trinity—God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit[5]. This Trinitarian monotheism distinguishes Christianity from other religions and is the source of all other mysteries of faith, including Creation, Redemption, and Sanctification[5]. The Christian life is meant to be a Trinitarian life, lived in communion with the Father, through Christ, in the Holy Spirit[5]. This involves a sacrificial, other-centered, and merciful love, mirroring God's own nature[5]. The concept of "Christian experience" is seen as the "graced act through which a person becomes affectively aware of the meaning of the event of Christ and of the encounter with him."[1] This experience is a "gradual entering into the mystery of Christ," encompassing one's relationship with God, humanity, and the world through the Holy Spirit[1].
The "mystery of Christ in you" is another significant aspect of Christian understanding. Paul's writings, particularly in Colossians, refer to this mystery as something "hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints."[7] This mystery, "Christ in you, the hope of glory," signifies the permanent indwelling of the Holy Spirit in believers, the fulfillment of God's promise to restore all things, the future resurrection to eternal life, and a future heavenly inheritance[7]. It also implies that believers possess "all the wisdom inside of you that you need because Christ is living inside of you."[7] This understanding impacts how Christians suffer, serve, relate to others, and walk daily with Jesus, transforming their worldview from ownership to stewardship and fostering a communal rather than purely individualistic faith[7].
Ultimately, the Christian perspective on the mystery of life is one of purposeful design, divine revelation, and an ongoing journey of faith. While not all questions are answered, the core belief is that God, in His infinite wisdom and love, has provided clues and a path to understanding and experiencing a life of meaning and eternal hope[4].
Authoritative Sources
- López, Antonio. 2024. 'Christian Experience: A Catholic View'. [St Andrews Encyclopaedia of Theology]↩
- Lim, Jason. 2015. 'The Mystery Of Life'. [Gospel Light Christian Church]↩
- Price, Charles S. 'The Mystery Of Life'. [SermonIndex.net]↩
- Packer, Boyd K. 1983. 'The Mystery of Life'. [The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]↩
- Landry, Roger J. 2023. 'Believing and Living the Central Mystery of Christian Faith and Life (Trinity Sunday A, June 4, 2023)'. [Catholic Preaching]↩
- Lloyd-Jones, Martyn. 'The Spiritual Experience'. [MLJ Trust]↩
- Furtick, Steven. 'The Mystery of Christ in You'. [Something Good Radio]↩
Prayer is a fundamental aspect of Christian faith, deeply rooted in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Christians believe that prayer is a powerful and effective means of communication with God, offering guidance, comfort, and strength. The Bible emphasizes that prayer is not merely a ritual but a dynamic relationship with the Creator, enabling believers to align their hearts with God's will and experience His presence in their lives [1] [2].
According to www.iAsk.Ai - Ask AI:
The efficacy of prayer, particularly in the context of Christian belief, is understood through various lenses: theological, personal, and, to some extent, scientific.
Theological and Biblical Understanding of Prayer
From a theological perspective, prayer is a privilege and a command from God, not an optional activity for followers of Jesus [1]. Jesus Himself consistently made time for prayer, demonstrating its pivotal role in His life and ministry [2]. His devotion to a consistent prayer life serves as the ultimate example for believers, showing that prayer is a lifeline for connecting with the Father [2].
Key aspects of prayer highlighted in Christian teachings include:
- Relationship with God: Prayer fosters an unbroken relationship with God, allowing believers to share their hearts and minds with Him and for God to reveal Himself as Father, Savior, Provider, and Comforter [1] [3]. This communication deepens one's understanding of God's loving nature [3].
- Alignment with God's Will: The purpose of prayer is not to dictate to God but to better understand His ways and align one's will with His [3]. This is exemplified in the Lord's Prayer, which serves as a template for meaningful communication with God, focusing on His name, kingdom, and will [4].
- Guidance and Strength: Prayer helps believers find direction in life, particularly during difficult decisions, and provides strength to overcome temptations [3]. It offers peace that surpasses understanding, guarding hearts and minds in Christ Jesus [2] [5].
- Intercession and Community: Prayer is meant to be outwardly focused, encouraging believers to pray for others' interests and struggles [1]. Corporate prayer unites God's people and strengthens the church [1]. The Bible provides examples of intercessory prayer leading to significant outcomes, such as Peter's release from prison [6].
- Faith and Righteousness: The Bible states that the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective [1] [5]. Praying in faith, without doubting, is crucial, and believers are encouraged to fight unbelief with God's Word [1].
Personal and Psychological Benefits of Prayer
Beyond its theological significance, prayer offers numerous personal and psychological benefits. It can help individuals focus on what truly matters, stay hopeful in dark times, and deal with difficult emotions [2]. Prayer can lead to reduced stress and anxiety, promote a positive outlook, and strengthen the will to live [7]. Studies have shown that prayer can have a calming effect, influencing physiological outcomes such as heart rate and blood pressure [7] [8].
For instance, research on contemplative prayer, such as the Jesus Prayer, has indicated that consistent practice can lead to a decreased level of depression, anxiety, hostility, and interpersonal sensitivity, while increasing one's perception of feeling closer to God [9]. This suggests that prayer can serve as a means of thought stoppage, replacing dysfunctional thinking with positive cognitions [9].
Scientific Inquiry into Prayer's Efficacy
The scientific study of prayer's efficacy, particularly intercessory prayer (praying for others), has been a subject of debate and research since the 19th century [7] [10]. While some studies have reported positive outcomes, others have found no significant effect or even negative effects [10] [11].
One of the most notable studies, the "Study of the Therapeutic Effects of Intercessory Prayer (STEP)" (often erroneously called the Templeton Prayer Study due to funding from the John Templeton Foundation), involved 1,802 coronary artery bypass surgery patients [10]. This triple-blind, randomized controlled trial found no significant differences in complications among patients who were prayed for versus those who were not [10] [11]. Interestingly, patients who knew they were being prayed for experienced a slightly higher rate of complications, which some researchers attributed to increased stress from unmet expectations [10] [11].
Critics of such studies argue that prayer, as a spiritual act, may not be amenable to empirical scientific testing [7] [11]. They contend that reducing prayer to a measurable intervention akin to a drug trial misunderstands its nature and purpose [11]. The theological perspective often emphasizes that God is not a "celestial vending machine" to be manipulated by prayers, and that putting God to the test in this manner may be inappropriate [10] [12].
However, when the focus shifts from the person being prayed for to the person doing the praying, research suggests clearer benefits. Studies indicate that engaging in intercessory prayer for a loved one can improve relationship outcomes and even have positive physiological effects on the praying person, such as improved myocardial functioning [10]. This aligns with the idea that prayer's primary impact and purpose may involve the individual engaging in the prayer [10].
In conclusion, while scientific studies on the direct, measurable effects of intercessory prayer on external outcomes have yielded mixed results and face significant methodological and theological challenges, the Christian faith consistently affirms prayer as a vital and effective practice. Its efficacy is primarily understood through its role in fostering a deeper relationship with God, aligning with His will, and providing profound personal and psychological benefits to the believer [1] [2] [3].
Authoritative Sources
- Powerful and Effective Prayer. [Coastal Church]↩
- The Importance of Prayer in Our Daily Lives. [thinke.org]↩
- 10 Meaningful Benefits of Prayer. [Church of Jesus Christ]↩
- Keys to a Powerful Prayer Life. [World Vision]↩
- Effective Prayer. [GotQuestions.org]↩
- The Efficacy of Prayer. [Ligonier Ministries]↩
- Efficacy of prayer. [Wikipedia]↩
- Is Prayer Clinically Effective. [David Myers]↩
- The Impact of Saying the Jesus Prayer. [St. John GOC]↩
- What Can Science Say About the Study of Prayer. [Templeton.org]↩
- Efficacy of prayer. [PMC NCBI]↩
- How to Have an Effective Prayer Life. [Revive Our Hearts]↩
When it is said that some people have no conscience, it refers to individuals who lack the internal moral compass that typically guides human behavior, making them seemingly indifferent to the concepts of right and wrong, and the impact of their actions on others. This absence of conscience is often associated with specific psychological conditions, particularly antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) and psychopathy [1] [2] [3].
According to www.iAsk.Ai - Ask AI:
This lack of conscience manifests in several observable behaviors and traits:
Lack of Empathy and Remorse
A core characteristic of individuals without a conscience is a profound lack of empathy, meaning they struggle to understand or share the feelings of others [1] [2]. This is often coupled with an absence of guilt or remorse for their harmful actions [1] [2]. They may inflict pain or distress upon others without experiencing any internal discomfort or regret, viewing people as mere tools to achieve their own ends [1] [2]. Neuroscientific studies have shown that individuals with psychopathic traits exhibit reduced activity in brain regions typically involved in affective responses to others' pain, such as the anterior cingulate cortex, insula, and amygdala [4]. This suggests a biological basis for their impaired emotional processing [4].
Manipulative and Deceptive Behavior
People lacking a conscience are often highly charming and charismatic, using this as a tool to manipulate and deceive others [1] [2]. They may engage in habitual lying, bending the truth to suit their purposes without any apparent difficulty [1]. This deceptive behavior serves to create a false image or to gain an advantage [1]. They are masters at presenting a facade that can be very convincing, making it difficult for others to discern their true nature [2].
Unreliability and Exploitative Tendencies
Such individuals tend to be unreliable, making promises they do not intend to keep and consistently breaking commitments [1]. Their actions are driven by self-interest, leading to exploitative behavior where they use others to achieve their goals without regard for the consequences to those they exploit [1]. This can leave others feeling used and unappreciated [1].
Blame-Shifting and Rule-Breaking
They rarely take responsibility for their actions, instead exhibiting a strong tendency to shift blame onto others [1]. They may twist narratives to portray themselves as victims rather than perpetrators [1]. Furthermore, they often display a disregard for rules, believing that societal norms and laws do not apply to them [1]. This can range from minor infractions to serious violations of ethical guidelines or laws [1].
Absence of Long-Term, Meaningful Relationships
A significant indicator is the absence of stable, long-term, and meaningful relationships in their lives [1]. Their manipulative and exploitative behaviors, coupled with a lack of empathy and remorse, tend to drive people away, resulting in a pattern of transient connections [1].
How to Deal with Individuals Lacking a Conscience
Dealing with individuals who lack a conscience requires a cautious and protective approach, as they can cause significant emotional, psychological, and even financial harm [2].
- Recognize the Signs: The first step is to become aware of the signs discussed above [1] [2]. It's crucial to overcome the natural inclination to give others the benefit of the doubt, especially when confronted with consistent patterns of behavior that indicate a lack of empathy or remorse [2].
- Trust Your Gut and Be Judgmental (Wisely): If something feels "off" or too good to be true, it often is [1]. It's acceptable and wise to be "judgmental" in the sense of making careful assessments to protect oneself from harm [2]. This involves paying attention to how interactions make you feel and observing inconsistencies between words and actions [2].
- Set Clear Boundaries: Since these individuals often lack respect for others' feelings and boundaries, it is essential to establish and enforce firm boundaries [1]. This protects your emotional and practical well-being.
- Avoid Engagement in Power Struggles or Justification: Trying to reason with someone who lacks a conscience about their wrongdoing or expecting them to feel remorse is often futile and can be emotionally draining [2]. They are unlikely to acknowledge fault or change their behavior based on your feelings or logical arguments [1].
- Limit Exposure and Disengage: If possible, reduce or eliminate contact with such individuals [1]. If complete avoidance is not feasible (e.g., in a professional setting), minimize interactions and keep them strictly transactional [2].
- Do Not Expect Reciprocity or Fairness: Understand that their primary motivation is self-gain, and they will not operate from a place of mutual respect or fairness [1]. Expecting them to "do the right thing" when you are not watching is a dangerous assumption [2].
- Seek Support: If you are in a relationship with someone who exhibits these traits, seeking support from trusted friends, family, or mental health professionals is crucial [2]. They can provide an objective perspective and help you navigate the situation safely [2].
- Prioritize Your Safety and Well-being: Ultimately, the most important aspect is to protect yourself from potential harm [2]. This may involve difficult decisions, but your safety and mental health should be the priority [2].
While full-blown psychopathy is considered rare, individuals with significant "conscience impairments" are more common, and their impact can be widespread and damaging [3]. The concept of conscience itself is complex, encompassing self-knowledge, moral beliefs, motivation, and personal identity [5]. When this fundamental aspect of human morality is absent or severely impaired, it creates a dangerous dynamic in interpersonal relationships [3].
Authoritative Sources
- 9 signs you’re dealing with someone who lacks a conscience, according to psychology. [geediting.com]↩
The pursuit of happiness is a deeply personal journey, but research and expert advice point to several effective strategies for cultivating a more joyful and fulfilling life. These methods often involve a combination of behavioral changes, cognitive shifts, and a focus on overall well-being.
According to www.iAsk.Ai - Ask AI:
The best method to be happy involves a holistic approach that integrates physical health, mental well-being, social connections, and a sense of purpose. While individual paths to happiness vary, consistent engagement in certain practices can significantly boost one's mood and life satisfaction [1] [2] [3].
Physical Well-being
A strong foundation for happiness begins with physical health. Regular exercise is crucial, as it helps balance brain chemicals, reduces stress and anxiety, and boosts mood [1] [2] [3]. Even moderate physical activity, such as 150 minutes per week, can release mood-lifting chemicals [2]. Starting small, like a walk around the block, can lead to greater engagement over time [1].
Adequate sleep is another cornerstone of happiness [1] [2] [3]. Most adults require 7 to 8 hours of sleep per night for optimal physical and mental functioning [2] [3]. Sleep deprivation can negatively impact mood, motivation, and energy levels [3]. Establishing a consistent bedtime routine, creating a relaxing sleep environment, and managing stress can improve sleep quality [3].
Nourishing food also plays a significant role [3]. A well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains provides the necessary nutrients for sustained energy and overall well-being [3]. Making healthy dietary choices can also boost self-esteem by fostering a sense of positive self-care [2]. Conversely, excessive alcohol consumption can worsen feelings of depression and anger [2].
Mental and Emotional Strategies
Cultivating a positive mindset and managing emotional states are vital for happiness. Practicing gratitude can significantly boost mood [1] [4]. This involves consciously acknowledging and appreciating both big and small positive aspects of life [1]. Over time, this practice can train the brain to notice more positive things [1].
Boosting self-esteem is essential [2]. Treating oneself with the same kindness and honesty one would offer a valued friend can improve self-perception [2]. Challenging negative self-talk and replacing it with positive affirmations is a key technique [2].
Mindfulness and reflection are powerful tools [1] [4]. Staying mindful allows for fuller engagement with experiences, both positive and negative [4]. Taking time to reflect on one's life, assess personal growth, and reevaluate goals can provide clarity and direction [1]. Creating a "thought list" of happy memories or anticipated positive events can help redirect negative thoughts during brief moments of downtime [1].
Managing stress is also critical [2] [3]. Techniques like time management, breathing exercises, and engaging in enjoyable activities can reduce stress levels [2]. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques can also be helpful in managing stress and anxiety [2].
Social Connection and Purpose
Humans are inherently social beings, and meaningful social connections are strongly linked to happiness [1] [3] [4]. Spending time with positive individuals who share similar interests can energize and uplift [3]. It's not about the quantity of friends, but the quality of relationships [1]. Building these connections can involve joining volunteer groups or classes [1].
Finding and living one's purpose contributes significantly to long-term happiness [4] [5]. This involves identifying what gives life meaning and pursuing activities that align with personal values [4]. Giving back to the community, through volunteering or small acts of kindness, can also boost mood and provide a sense of fulfillment [1].
Engaging in activities that bring joy and a sense of achievement is important [2] [3]. This could be a hobby, a creative pursuit, or simply doing something enjoyable each day [2] [3]. Even spending deliberate time alone can help reconnect with activities that truly bring happiness [1].
Additional Strategies
Other effective strategies include:
- Decluttering one's physical space, which can have a positive impact on mental well-being [1].
- Spending time in nature, as even 30 minutes a week in green spaces can boost mood [1].
- Limiting exposure to overwhelming news to avoid negative emotional impact [3].
- Practicing "kind attention" by thinking positive thoughts for others, which can reduce self-judgment and conserve energy [3].
- Setting meaningful goals that provide structure and a sense of identity [5].
- Building resilience, which is the ability to cope with life's challenges and bounce back from adversity [2] [5].
- Seeking professional help if persistent feelings of unhappiness do not shift, as there could be underlying conditions like depression that a doctor can address [1] [4].
Ultimately, increasing happiness is an ongoing process that involves intentional effort and self-awareness. By consistently applying these diverse strategies, individuals can cultivate a more joyful and fulfilling life [1] [4].
Ethisphere Announces the 2025 World’s Most Ethical Companies
Phoenix, AZ – March 11, 2025 – Ethisphere, a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices, today announced the 136 companies that have earned the coveted designation of the World’s Most Ethical Companies in 2025. This year’s honorees span 19 countries and 44 industries.
2025 marks the 19th annual World’s Most Ethical Companies recognition. As in previous years, honorees have demonstrated a commitment to ethical business practices through robust programs that positively impact employees, communities, and broader stakeholders, as well as contributing to sustainable, long-term business growth.
The full list of the 2025 World’s Most Ethical Companies can be found at WorldsMostEthicalCompanies.com/honorees.
Eleven companies on this year’s list are being recognized for the first time. There are also six companies—Aflac, Ecolab, International Paper, Kao Corporation, Milliken & Company, and PepsiCo—that have been recognized 19 times, every year since the inception of the World’s Most Ethical Companies® in 2007.
“Congratulations to this year’s class of honorees. These organizations understand that strong ethics is good business. Integrity-driven companies outperform financially, create talent-rich work environments, and build trust,” said Erica Salmon Byrne, Chief Strategy Officer and Executive Chair, Ethisphere. “Thank you for your hard work.”
“We are honored to be named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere for the 19th consecutive year,” said Halsey Cook, President and CEO of Milliken & Company. “At Milliken, ethical behavior is not just a goal, but a fundamental part of who we are and how we operate. We remain steadfast in our commitment to serving our customers, supporting our communities, and upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct.”
“We are incredibly proud to be recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies,” said Taryn Owen, President and CEO of TrueBlue. “Our dedication to ethical decision-making and responsible business practices has always been integral to our mission of connecting people and work. This recognition is a testament to our entire team’s ethical leadership and collective commitment to maintaining the highest standards of integrity and accountability each and every day.”
The Ethics Premium: Integrity Outperforms
Ethisphere’s Five-Year Ethics Premium for 2025 is 7.8%. This represents the margin by which publicly traded companies recognized in this year’s World’s Most Ethical Companies outperformed a comparable index of global companies over a five-year period from January 2020 to January 2025.
“For the many years that Ethisphere has tracked the equity performance of public honoree companies, the Ethics Premium has shown consistently that the programs and practices behind a World’s Most Ethical Companies recognition are also market-tested for success,” Salmon Byrne added. “The Ethics Premium proves without a doubt that strong ethics really is good business.”
Methodology
The World’s Most Ethical Companies assessment is grounded in Ethisphere’s proprietary Ethics Quotient®, which requires companies to provide 240+ different proof points on practices that support robust ethics and compliance; governance; a culture of ethics; environmental and social impact; and initiatives that support a strong value chain. That data undergoes further qualitative analysis by our panel of experts who spend thousands of hours vetting and evaluating each year’s group of applicants. This process serves as an operating framework to capture and codify best-in-class practices from organizations across industries and from around the world.
Each applicant receives access to an analytical Scorecard experience providing an overview of how the applicant scored against the World’s Most Ethical Companies honorees in key categories along with expert insights and resources.
Follow the conversation on social media: 2025 #WorldsMostEthicalCompanies
About Ethisphere
Ethisphere is the global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices that strengthen corporate brands, build trust in the marketplace, and deliver business success. Companies turn ethics, compliance, and culture into a business advantage by leveraging Ethisphere’s data-driven program and culture assessments featuring the latest guidance and the practices of hundreds of global organizations across the 8 pillars of an ethical culture, and 240+ ethics, compliance, social, and governance data points delivered through a proprietary software platform. Ethisphere also honors superior integrity programs through World’s Most Ethical Companies® recognition, brings together a community of industry experts with the Business Ethics Leadership Alliance (BELA), and advances ethical business practices through the Global Ethics Summit, Ethisphere Magazine and the Ethicast podcast. For more information, visit Ethisphere.com.
Ethisphere Media Contact:
Anne Walker
Anne.Walker@Ethisphere.com
Related Posts
A miracle is generally understood as an extraordinary and astonishing event attributed to a divine or supernatural power, often inexplicable by natural or scientific laws. The term originates from the Latin miraculum, meaning "wonder" or "to marvel at," reflecting the sense of awe and astonishment such events evoke.[1] [2] [3] [4]
According to www.iAsk.Ai - Ask AI: The definition of a miracle varies across different philosophical, religious, and cultural contexts, but core elements typically involve an event that transcends ordinary understanding and points to a greater, often divine, reality.
Philosophical and General Definitions
Philosophically, a miracle is often defined as an event that exceeds the productive power of nature.[5] This means it cannot be explained by the known laws of physics, chemistry, or biology. David Hume famously defined a miracle as "a violation of the laws of nature,"[5] [6] implying a transgression of established natural regularities. However, this definition has been debated, with some arguing that it's problematic to define a miracle solely by violating natural laws, as our understanding of these laws can evolve.[5] [6] [7] Others suggest that a miracle is not necessarily contrary to nature, but rather beyond our knowledge of nature, stemming from hidden potentialities placed by a divine entity.[7] [8] Informally, the term "miracle" is also used to describe any statistically unlikely but beneficial event, such as surviving a natural disaster, or simply a "wonderful" occurrence, like the "miracle of childbirth."[2]
Religious Perspectives
Across various religions, miracles are often seen as manifestations of divine intervention in human affairs.[1] [2] [3] [4] They serve to reveal God's character, power, and purposes, and to authenticate religious doctrines or the authority of religious figures.[3] [4] [5]
- Christianity: In Christianity, miracles are central to faith, with the resurrection of Jesus being considered the greatest miracle.[2] [3] The Gospels record Jesus performing exorcisms, cures, and natural wonders, referred to as "signs" demonstrating God's activity.[2] The Catholic Church, for instance, has stringent requirements for validating miracles, often requiring two posthumously confirmed miracles for sainthood.[2]
- Islam: In Islam, miracles are referred to as 'Ayah' (sign) in the Quran, signifying divine intervention in human life, often connected to prophets like Muhammad.[2] Medieval Muslim theologians viewed natural laws as "customs of God," allowing for divine intervention without violating inherent principles.[2]
- Judaism: The Tanakh (Hebrew Bible) describes numerous miracles, such as the parting of the Red Sea and the Plagues of Egypt, often performed by prophets like Moses and Elijah to demonstrate God's power and support His chosen people.[2]
- Hinduism: Miracles in Hinduism often focus on spiritual liberation, as seen in the Bhagavad Gita where Krishna reveals his true form to Arjuna. Hindu sages have also criticized reliance on miracles as a "cheat" to avoid necessary spiritual work.[2]
- Buddhism: While less emphasized than in Abrahamic religions, Buddhist texts also contain miracle stories, often associated with the veneration of relics or the establishment of Buddhism, such as the legend of Ichadon's execution leading to the adoption of Buddhism in Silla.[2]
Functions and Significance
Miracles serve several key functions:
- Revelation and Signification: They reveal a divine reality or numinous dimension, signifying something beyond themselves.[3]
- Authentication: Miracles can serve as credentials for religious authority, demonstrate the power of a particular deity, or prove the sanctity of holy persons or objects.[3] [4]
- Divine Intervention: They show God's direct involvement in the world, often in response to human needs or to fulfill divine plans.[4]
- Inspiration of Awe: By their extraordinary nature, miracles inspire wonder and awe, drawing people towards a religious understanding of the world.[2] [4]
Criticism and Skepticism
Skeptics and naturalists often challenge the credibility of miracle claims. Arguments against miracles include:
- Impossibility: Some argue that miracles are logically impossible if they violate immutable natural laws, or that attributing them to God implies a lack of foresight or power.[5] [6]
- Lack of Evidence: Critics like David Hume argued that no testimony is sufficient to establish a miracle, as the falsehood of the testimony is always more probable than the occurrence of a true violation of natural law.[2] [5] [6]
- Naturalistic Explanations: Many events attributed to miracles can be explained by cognitive errors, psychological factors, or statistically improbable coincidences that are still within the bounds of natural law.[2] [7]
- Scientific Perspective: From a scientific standpoint, an apparent "miracle" would prompt further investigation into unknown natural laws rather than an immediate acceptance of supernatural intervention.[7]
Ultimately, the understanding and acceptance of miracles often depend on one's worldview, with theistic perspectives being more open to their possibility than naturalistic ones.[7]
Authoritative Sources
- miracle. [Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary]↩
- Miracle. [Wikipedia]↩
- miracle. [Britannica]↩
- What is a Miracle?. [GotQuestions.org]↩
- Miracles. [Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy]↩
- What is a Miracle?. [Spring Church Bellingham]↩
- Miracles. [Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy]↩
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