Doing the Right Thing

Atty. Mac Gordon does the right thing.

St. Augustine says that loving others means "willing the good of the other". In this day and age, what does that mean? Mac Gordon, lawyer, entrepreneur and all-around good guy, shares what this means for him.

Among the many lessons my mother taught me, one has remained my life’s enduring compass: “Do the right thing.” She would remind me that doing what is right is not always the easiest choice, nor the most popular one. Often, it is the road less traveled. Yet she believed that every decision carries consequences—not only for us but also for the people whose lives we touch. Because of that, choosing what is right should always come before choosing what is merely convenient.

As I grew older, I realized that this simple advice was more than a moral instruction; it became a way of life. Whether I am making personal decisions, practicing my profession, leading organizations, or creating new ideas, I try to ask myself a single question: What is the right thing to do? The answer is not always immediate, and it sometimes demands sacrifice, courage, or even standing alone. But I have learned that integrity produces trust, excellence creates lasting impact, and compassion gives meaning to both.

Doing the right thing has also taught me to recognize the inherent dignity and goodness in every person. It encourages me to listen before judging, to serve before seeking recognition, and to lead with humility rather than power. When we consistently choose what is right, we cultivate love, integrity, and compassion—not only within ourselves but also in the communities we serve. In seeking what is right, we ultimately seek the good of others, and in doing so, we become better human beings ourselves.