A Principle to Keep

A principle to keep in a post-apocalyptic time is to respect others, as long as they respect you. Respect is to observe and not interfere with concepts that others hold, such as the safety, privacy, property, beliefs, and values of others, unless they allow you to do so. In Cormac McCarthy's novel The Road, the man (one of the main characters) respects an old man on the same road by not stealing, something that the old man did not expect; additionally, the boy helps by sharing food with the old man. By respecting the old man, there was a lesser chance that there would be conflict between the old man, and the boy and the man. Thus, the principle of respect should be kept because without it, there will be a greater possibility for disorder from discontent of those being disrespected, which can lead to violence, death, and the possible end of humans on Earth; if the goal is to persist the existence of humanity, then the principle of respect is needed.

Also, as a part of respect, help should be offered to those in need. Although this takes one's own resources (including time, effort, and material resources), food in the aforementioned situation from The Road, if the survivors of the apocalyptic event all somehow grouped together and collaborated, they could produce gains for everyone, such as food, other products, and company. Even though this collaboration is rather difficult to implement, because of the distrust of some people towards others, and the cautionary assumption that all others are hostile, if implemented, collaboration out of respect can benefit everyone; so, respect should continue to be a principle to keep, even during post-apocalyptic times.