And the Consequence was...

At least that is the accepted view. Personally, when they were children, I always enjoyed my offspring's company and was often surprised that the holidays were not long enough to fit in all the little projects which we had hoped to do. I like to think that the time that my husband and I spent with our children over the years has encouraged them to be good members of society and to consider others in all things.

In a previous article, I referred to the prevalence of selfishness which characterises our society. Perhaps, if we all took a moment occasionally to consider the consequences of our actions '“ a bit like taking a quick risk assessment '“ some of the need for harsh laws might be avoided. Of course it is incredibly optimistic on my part to think that we might reduce the need for more prison places in this way but we could start at a level nearer to home. In fact we could turn it into one of those games to play with children on long journeys or wet boring afternoons when they want to play outside. I seem to recall that there was a party game called consequences. Here is my new shortened version:

A lit a bonfire on the first hot summer evening and we all had to close our windows.

B shopped weekly at the large out of town supermarket and the village shop closed.

C put the writing of letters out to contract and local jobs were lost.

D bought a new car and reduced the size of his carbon footprint.

The original game was cumulative and involved a list which got ever longer and more difficult to remember. There are of course further consequences to the above actions. On the doorstep we seldom find potential voters looking beyond their own personal needs and problems. Where is that view which takes into account the 'greater good' when people make their political choices?

There is a school of thought that we are born selfish and that generosity and altruism have to be taught in order to achieve a society in which individuals cooperate towards a common good. My son is about to be married. One of the consequences may in due course be that my summer holidays will again be spent in the delightful company of small children. I will of course take that opportunity to practise what I believe and encourage them to be good members of society.