Today's society, more than ever, strongly feels the indispensable need of a form of a code of ethics in all sectors of life. In man's experience this sort of code has always been regarded as an authentic guidebook inspired by moral values and civic norms.

Regrettably, our culture today does not always lift us up, but brings us down in moral terms. However, it has to be noted that society has always felt the need of this important code in public relationships between individuals and groups.

The need of a practical code of ethics started centuries ago. Surely a good example is that of Baltimore in Maryland, USA, found in some churches in 1692, with the title Desiderabilia (things to wish). The title needs no further explanation. It is self-evident and sheds much light on society of three centuries ago.

The following are its main points which are certainly still as valid today:

* keep going on and always keep calm notwithstanding the confusion and the commotion of life: always keep in mind how much peace reigns in silence;

* as much as possible, and without giving up, always be upright in your ideas and always be at peace with everyone;

* never be afraid to express openly and clearly what is right and always be willing to listen to the opinion of others, even of those whom you consider not intelligent: these too have something useful and important to share;

* avoid the company of those who are too talkative and aggressive: they can make you lose your peace and serenity;

* if you tend to compare yourself with others, you may fall into vanity or become jealous, as you can always come across someone who is worse, or better than you;

* always remain interested in your work; even humble work is so precious in daily life;

* in your work apply all your brains to good use and in your business affairs be always on your guard against increasing corruption;

* however, do not forget that there's also so much goodness: there are so many people who give so very willingly, and efficiently, their services to others;

* do not take love lightly, but consider it in high esteem. It is an evergreen experience;

* accept with pleasure the passage of years and do not go on brooding on your youthful years;

* always train yourself seriously to be able to face all the challenges of life, even those which take you by surprise;

* do not cross the bridge before you come to it: a lot of fear is the fruit of a tired mind and of solitude;

* you are the child of the universe, no less than the stars and the trees, and just like them, you have the right for a place in the universe;

* whatever your work and your hopes, always remain at peace with God, and with yourself in all vicissitudes of life;

* whatever the corruption, the suffering and the disappointments, life is beautiful.

So always be on guard, and seek always to stay serene.