Right vs. Easy

I heard this quotation (in a movie no less!) "...choice between what is right, and what is easy." It surprised me the first time I heard that. I would think the right decision is between right and wrong. But after giving it some thought, I realize that that quote was very true, especially in this day where perception of right and wrong is quite distorted.

For example, many people nowadays believe in 'white lie'. Lying as so not to offend someone. Many think it's not wrong because it doesn't hurt anyone. However, it is the easier option compared to telling the truth. To me, the completely, 100% right option is to tell the truth, no matter what the situation. Honesty is the best policy after all. I believe white lies are dangerous. First of all, what is the difference between white lies and blatant lying? Not knowing the difference can allow people to claim all their lies to be white lies. After all, everything we do is for your benefit, isn't it? Secondly, if your white lies is discovered by the other party, how would he/she react? Humans don't like being lied to, whatever the reason or situation. Their perception of you can be based upon your words. If you lie, some of the perceptions that can arise is insecurity, untrustworthy, dishonest and many others. For me, those are traits I wouldn't like to be associated with, would you?

Another example of easier options is buying pirated goods. It's easier to buy them because

1. it's much cheaper,
2. it's more readily available AND
3. everyone is doing it and if you don't, you're like an outcast.

Another reason I've heard and used myself sometimes is that the people who create the original goods are earning massive amounts of money already so buying a pirated one here and there isn't bad. Also, they are doing daylight robbery with their expensive prices so in a way, we're rebelling against them. However, lately I've realize the right thing to do is still to buy the original. Yes, it costs more and that we might be making the rich richer but the alternative (though easier) is wrong. People who provide those goods have work hard to create those goods and ultimately, it's their choice what price they want to charge for it. They do not owe it to us to charge a lower price. If we feel it's expensive, don't buy. That's the right way to rebel. Another way would be to provide the same goods as well (legally!) at a lower price. That way, we create competition for them and they will be force to lower prices to compete. Both options are not easy, but they are the right options. Buying pirated goods just lowers us to the same level as thieves.

So, from the examples above, I have come to realize that doing the right thing is never the easier option. In the world, there will always be easier options to do anything. But I believe doing the right thing all the time will result in a better life and, a better self worth. In fact, I also truly believe by always doing the right thing, we create an aura of self-righteousness that others will look up to, no matter what they say about it.