An important aspect of this lesson involved a respect for other authorities, including schoolteachers. I knew that, if I got in trouble at school, my parents would not come and yell at the teacher. Rather, they would reinforce the teacher's discipline. I have taught both junior high and high school, and I know that some parents think their sweet children can do no wrong. The problem is, their children know that they can do wrong - and get away with it.
Altruism is a virtue.
My mama said we ought to help other people. I knew my parents worked extra hours and sacrificed personal pleasures to support my activities and to help me get through college. When I first heard the story of the good Samaritan, the moral of the story came as no surprise because I already knew that being a helper is very important. Nice is better than mean. My mama said you should respect other people and respect their stuff and respect their feelings.