By Mark A. Schmidtke
In my original essay, “Do the Right Thing,” published in The Island News on Dec. 3, I featured a title image created with some help from AI. I created this image because “a picture’s worth a thousand words.”
By including it, I hoped to enrich a brief essay with deeper meaning. After publication, I received some comments about the image that inspired me to share more about the thought process behind its design.
The essay explores how individuals can decide what it means to do the right thing, emphasizing why this matters so much to a healthy society. I also argued about the crucial role of civil discourse in our ongoing social evolution. The title image, however, leans more toward the first idea — highlighting the major influences that guide moral decision-making.
In the foreground of the image, a silhouette of a person stands before a classic fork in the road, symbolizing the process of making a choice. I chuckle to myself when I hear a reference to it, or see an actual fork in the road, because it reminds me of a quote from one of my favorite philosophers, Yogi Berra — “When you get to the fork in the road, take it.” While humorous, this quote serves as a reminder to pause and think carefully when making choices, especially moral ones. In my experience, quick decisions often overlook important considerations and rarely lead to the best outcomes.
Above the figure are four thought clouds, each containing a distinct symbol. Let’s look closer at each one. The outer-left cloud represents the influence of religion or spirituality on moral direction. In designing this part, I made sure not to favor any single tradition, maintaining a pluralistic approach. I selected six recognizable symbols from major world religions — Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Shintoism — and placed them in a circle. AI suggested the circular puzzle design, and I loved how it visually connects all forms of spirituality. I later learned there’s also a symbol for Atheism, which I missed initially. Since even a lack of belief is a meaningful worldview, I will add that symbol with any future use.
The inner-left cloud a gavel and scale signify our legal and judicial systems. This is an important influence on moral decision-making for all citizens. Laws are not just rules; they are the collective expression of our shared values and the bonds that hold us together as a nation.
Originally, I considered using Lady Justice, a familiar figure in discussions of law. I decided against it because, in today’s climate, the impartiality symbolized by Lady Justice’s blindfold and balanced scales, is under attack. Is it possible her blindfold has been removed, and her scales of justice now shift with political winds?
Whether there’s “fire” with all the “smoke” doesn’t really matter. The impact within the citizenry will be the same — more people willfully ignore our laws. “What’s sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander” is what my mother always said about such matters. When laws are ignored, however, instead of respectfully challenged or changed, those social bonds they represent begin to tear. I sense this metaphorical cloud is fading from above the heads of many people today, and that’s a concerning development.
In the inner-right cloud, you’ll see books, which symbolize education and the wisdom found in written works. Throughout history, the question of “doing the right thing” has echoed in countless texts. By reading — both formally and informally — we learn from the experiences and ideas of others. Books help us refine our own beliefs and reinforce what we value.
The outer-right cloud features a bust of Marcus Aurelius, crafted with AI, to represent the philosophical perspective on morality. I included him because his teachings on virtue ethics resonate with many people, and I had quoted him in my essay. Virtue ethics encourages us to cultivate good character and habits, asking, “What would a virtuous person do?”
Deontology, as represented by the teachings of Immanuel Kant, stresses the importance of moral duties and universal rules. It says that actions are right or wrong depending on whether they follow ethical principles, regardless of the consequences – the motivation behind the action is what matters most.
Utilitarianism, as taught by Jeremy Bentham, judges actions by their outcomes. It advocates for choices that bring the greatest good to most people. These three schools of thought offer accessible ways to think about complex moral issues. If you’re interested, I encourage you to explore these philosophies further — they represent years of deep reflection by some of history’s brightest minds.
Reflecting on these influences has shaped my own moral decision-making. Personally, I find myself guided more by the philosophical “thought cloud,” especially the views of Immanuel Kant. You might favor one or several in the illustration, or you might have some influences of your own. But considering how others make decisions can deepen our empathy and bring more civility to discussions about issues that matter. That’s essential if we want to build a future grounded in understanding and respect.
I hope these reflections add clarity and meaning to my essay “Do the Right Thing.” Thank you for taking the time to read and consider both the artistic and intellectual aspects of my work.
Mark A. Schmidtke is a retired dentist and considers his retirement a journey of discovery and creative self-expression.
