What are codes and why are they needed?

Have you ever thought about why in certain circumstances you act one way and not another?

In the frantic pace of the modern world, it is often necessary to make quick decisions and instantly respond to changing circumstances. There is not always time to think and listen to the voice of reason. As a result, actions are taken based on a sudden impulse of emotions, moods, habits.

And later we are faced with the consequences of what we did (or did not do), and we are perplexed: “Why did it happen so?”

At such a moment, with a great delay, an understanding comes of what should have been done so as not to regret the mistakes made or opportunities missed.

Almost every day we regret that we lacked wisdom and insight in some way.

Is there a way to avoid such situations?

The foundation of right action

Throughout history, mankind has tried to formulate the laws of a happy, conscious life and successful activity.

People understood that in order to avoid mistakes, one needs to be prepared for any turn of events. Such a readiness is based on knowledge, experience and observation.

The emergence of a writing system made it possible to generalize and present the experience, discoveries and wisdom of previous generations in an accessible form. It became possible to create an ordered body of knowledge that reflects existing or potential difficulties and ways to eliminate them. Having a ready-to-use guide for any life situation makes it much easier to make the right decisions.

That’s how codes appeared, which have retained great value over centuries.

First codes in the world

The word “CŌDEX” in Latin means a “stem of a tree” or a “tablet of wood” — according to the name of the material used for the first manuscripts.

1. The code consisted of sheets of parchment or papyrus, which were sealed together like a book and framed with wooden tablets.

2. The code is a set of laws containing norms in particular areas.

Professional codes

In the 11th-12th centuries, the so-called professional charters of artisans became popular. They helped increase the responsibility of workers, follow certain rules and take care of the quality of the goods.

In the charter of French weavers, it was written that each weaver can train one student for at least four years, and the quality of the cloth must be excellent not only at the top but also in the middle edges.

Swedish shoemakers in Stockholm, according to the charter, were fined for a hole in the boot and theft of tools. Helping colleagues and charity work were welcomed though.

Codes of ethics

The very first sets of corporate rules began to appear in America at the beginning of the 20th century. The purpose of creating codes of ethics is to develop regulations that establish the procedure for the activities of company employees.

In the world, ethical codes have been adopted and observed for representatives of various professions: lawyers, psychologists, teachers, journalists. Such documents are created to increase the prestige of a particular profession in society and to comply with the norms of behavior by members of one professional group.

Philosophical codes

We have listed examples of codes intended for a fairly narrow circle of people. Yet are there comprehensive sets of rules that any person can use to resolve any important issue in their life?

There are such codes. They were created by philosophers who spent days and nights in contemplation, trying to comprehend the secrets of human nature. Those were gifted and perspicacious people — their discoveries to this day delight many who come into contact with ancient knowledge. Today, humanity is rediscovering the wisdom and incredible depth of ancient philosophy.

Unlike other sets of guidelines, philosophical codes do not focus on one problem or occupation. They teach the art of a harmonious life, no matter what we do and what goals we set.

Thousands of years ago, answers were found to many pressing issues of our time, and instructions for avoiding mistakes have existed for a long time, but for some reason they were put on the back burner and forgotten.

We want to clear up this unfortunate misunderstanding. Our articles will invite you into the world of ancient philosophy, where the main principles of a prosperous life are systematized and set out in simple language in a code of 24 guidelines. This code was created by Aristippus of Cyrene, a student and friend of Socrates.

Do you want to know more about the Aristippus’ Code? Bookmark our page and stay tuned for more updates.