The Five Questions for Achieving Dreams

When to use it

Use before accepting an offer, choosing a shortcut, making a commitment or deciding how to pursue a goal.

How to use it

The five questions — verbatim from Chapter 25

• Is it moral?
• Is it legal?
• Is it ethical?
• Will it help me grow?
• Will it help me become a better person?

1. State the actual opportunity and who is involved. Include what you would give, receive, promise or risk rather than describing only the appealing outcome.

2. Ask whether it fits your moral commitments. Name the value that supports your answer and any value it would conflict with.

3. Ask whether it is legal and permitted. Do not guess from the story’s example; clarify relevant rules or obtain appropriate advice when the answer matters.

4. Ask whether it is ethical: whether it is honest, fair and respectful of the people affected, including those not present.

5. Ask how it could help you grow and whether the method matches the person you want to become. An attractive reward does not erase an unacceptable method.

6. Record yes, no or uncertain with reasons for each question. Decline or pause when an essential concern is unresolved, and consider a different route to the goal.

A worked example

A practical illustration of the method.

A learner wants to earn money helping a neighbor. They check the tasks with a caregiver, agree on safe work and an honest payment arrangement, and ask what skills they will learn. An offer involving unsafe equipment remains a no even if the pay is attractive. The form documents reasoning rather than claiming that a checked box proves legality.

Use it thoughtfully

The questions are a values framework, not legal advice or a complete risk assessment.

Do not assume sacrificing your belongings or boundaries is always the ethical answer.

There is no promise that a generous decision will produce a larger reward.

Keep exploring