Standards and Principles

[DISCLAIMER]

In 1997, while enlisted in the United States (U.S.) Marine Corps and assigned to Fort McClellan in Anniston, Alabama, I graduated from the U.S. Army Military Police School, officially completing my initial training for military police (MP). I was part of class 05-97 (“class 5”).

While undergoing MP training, my class advisor, a staff sergeant and former drill instructor, devoted a fair amount of time toward mentoring trainees under his charge. He taught me far more about life in general than I previously anticipated, not solely instruction about MP duties.

As an example, he taught standards (some things established by authority, custom, or general consent as a model or example, such as levels of quality, achievement, performance, etc., which are considered acceptable or desirable). For instance, MPs were held to standards of behavior.

After all, we were tasked with upholding the “good order and discipline” of the U.S. Marine Corps by enforcing prescribed laws, orders, and regulations. To illustrate this point, I invite you to consider what I stated in a blogpost entitled A Lifetime of Sobriety:

The Marines of class 5 frequented bars and clubs in Anniston, Alabama, as we were stationed aboard Fort McClellan. On some nights, members of our class participated in karaoke, dancing, and other peaceful activities. However, on other nights, we fought and all around raised Hell.

After several incidents during which members of our class allegedly physically assaulted and battered U.S. Army officers, football players from the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Alabama, and other people, we were prohibited from visiting many off-base establishments.

Thereafter, members of class 5 were incrementally barred from attending any facility or area at which alcohol was sold. This included the Fort McClellan golf course and bowling alley! We were a rowdy bunch who was restricted to barracks parties for alcohol-fueled social engagement.

Because I frequently visited a high school-era friend who at the time attended the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Tennessee, I wasn’t present for a number of the violent events associated with class 5. This included the final proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back.

While [I was] in Knoxville, many members of class 5 apparently joined with other MP classes and threw an alcohol-fueled orgy during which female MP trainees were allegedly on the receiving end of sexual penetration with PR-24 batons. I was fortunate to have missed that unruly event!

In retrospect, the future law-enforcers with whom I trained were scarcely different than the gangbangers I befriended from fifth grade [and] through high school. The main distinction was who wore a badge and who didn’t. This was the case for the entire time of my service as an MP.

The class 5 advisor had his work cut out for U.S.M.C.—Uncle Sam’s Misguided Children. After all, not all MPs entered our field with the same principles (comprehensive and fundamental laws, doctrines, or assumptions, such as unwavering rules or codes of conduct).

For example, one reason I often visited my friend in Knoxville, instead of socializing with class 5 members, was because I had a principle relating to a lifetime of sobriety. Although I enjoyed the chaos of bar fights, many drunken MPs initiated the trouble in which we found ourselves. 

I would’ve rather fought for a meaningful purpose than to have simply covered for the actions of my inebriated MP brethren. This, too, was a standard of conduct with a corresponding principle that my class advisor shared with his trainees. “Fight for a cause,” he stated, “like justice.”

To recapitulate, a standard is an exact, measurable, and often enforced rule designed to achieve uniformity. A principle is a fundamental belief, truth, or core value that guides one’s behavior or reasoning. Simply put: standards state how one acts, while principles state why one acts.

In the end, the fallible human beings who comprised class 05-97 were held to higher standards than other Marines, as we were enforcers of laws which governed the U.S. Marine Corps. Try as he may’ve, the class 5 advisor attempted to influence my MP cohort to adopt higher principles.

Yet, because imperfect people maintain personal agency, they are ultimately subject to personal responsibility and accountability (collectively “ownership”) for their own actions. Thus, when I was kicked out of the military, my behavior didn’t reflect the standards or principles of class 5.

Nevertheless, I’ve since developed additional standards and principles following service in the U.S. Marine Corps (1996-2007). Now, I think about the conduct of conduct I’ve maintained and beliefs I’ve adjusted all these years later, as I read a book that may be of benefit to you.

As Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) is informed by Stoic philosophy, this blog entry is part of an ongoing series regarding a book entitled The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman.

Stoic philosopher Epictetus stated, “When the standards have been set, things are tested and weighed. And the work of philosophy is just this, to examine and uphold the standards, but the work of a truly good person is in using those standards when they know them” (page 308).

As a self-obligatory principle, I disavow Stoic absolutism. Many ancient and modern Stoics also use standards of objective morality and moral absolutism to which I don’t adhere. For instance, I have zero concern with being perceived as, or behaving as though, I’m a “good person.”

Using the REBT tool of unconditional self-acceptance, I admit that I’m merely a flawed person. Therefore, it’s unnecessary, and arguably unhelpful, to evaluate or appraise myself as good, bad, or otherwise. I’m simply an imperfect being that can behave in good, bad, and other ways.

I’m flawed, I behave in various ways, and I don’t care if others view me as a “good person.” This is a principle on which I’m willfully sticking! All the same, I can appreciate Epictetus’ appeal to improved standards of living. About his perspective, authors of The Daily Stoic state (page 308):

We go through our days responding and reacting, but it’s rare to really pause and ask: Is this thing I’m about to do consistent with what I believe? Or, better: Is this the kind of thing the person I would like to be should do?

I can appreciate the authors’ practice of a technique known in REBT as the ABC model. Specifically, an individual can dispute one’s own irrational beliefs as a method of rational living (living in accord with both logic and reason). Of this approach, the authors conclude (page 308):

The work of living is to set standards and then not compromise them. When you’re brushing your teeth, choosing your friends, losing your temper, falling in love, instructing your child, or walking your dog—all of these are opportunities.

Not, I want to do good—that’s an excuse. But, I will do good in this particular instance, right now. Set a standard; hold fast to it. That’s all there is.

With standards, it may be helpful to also use principles for your method of living. Herein, I’ve drawn what I think is a meaningful distinction between these two concepts. Now, it’s up to you as to whether or not you’ll engage in bar fights, flee from violence, or otherwise live rationally.

If you’re looking for a provider who tries to work to help understand how thinking impacts physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral elements of your life—helping you to sharpen your critical thinking skills, I invite you to reach out today by using the contact widget on my website.

As a psychotherapist, I’m pleased to try to help people with an assortment of issues ranging from anger (hostility, rage, and aggression) to relational issues, adjustment matters, trauma experience, justice involvement, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety and depression, and other mood or personality-related matters.

At Hollings Therapy, LLC, serving all of Texas, I aim to treat clients with dignity and respect while offering a multi-lensed approach to the practice of psychotherapy and life coaching. My mission includes: Prioritizing the cognitive and emotive needs of clients, an overall reduction in client suffering, and supporting sustainable growth for the clients I serve. Rather than simply trying to help you to feel better, I want to try to help you get better!

Deric Hollings, LPC, LCSW

References:

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