Before Maria made her decision, she noticed an elderly couple walk through the shelter doors during dinner. They looked cold, tired, and hungry. At first, Maria did not want to give up her seat so they could sit down to eat and rest. Instead of acting on her first impulse, she paused and applied The Code of 3-ERC to help her make a thoughtful real-life decision.
Ethics: Maria first asked herself, "What is the right thing to do?" She recognized that showing kindness, compassion, and respect toward the elderly couple was the right choice. Taking the time to consider what is morally right before acting demonstrates honesty, integrity, and a sincere desire to do good. Rather than thinking only about herself, Maria chose to let her values guide her decision.
Relationships: Next, Maria identified the relationships involved in the situation. She understood that the elderly couple were guests at the shelter who deserved to be treated with dignity, kindness, and respect. She also recognized that although they were strangers, they were members of the same shelter community. By offering her seat, Maria strengthened person-to-person relationships built on empathy, trust, generosity, and consideration for others.
Cognition: Finally, Maria carefully considered the likely outcomes of her decision. She realized that she would still be able to enjoy her dinner even if she gave up her seat. She understood that her small act of kindness would allow the elderly couple to rest comfortably while they ate, helping them feel welcomed, accepted, and valued. Maria also recognized that acts of generosity often inspire others to be kind, creating a more caring, respectful, and supportive environment throughout the shelter.