What is morality? I like to think about it as a generally black and white premise. While I know this is a hard-edge way to view it, to me, we all make decisions every day that we could consider questionable should we make a choice a certain way.

The issue is most people do not know the entire story; they just see the choices we make. For instance, is it unmoral for a parent to steal a loaf of bread so that his kid who has not eaten in 2 days can have something in his belly? We will leave that to philosophers. For me, I think there are simple ways to determine if someone falls on the moral spectrum in a way that I would want to include them in my own social circles. In short, I do believe that there are some places that we can look to figure out if we are good human beings. Not to say that the example above does not warrant its own musing, it certainly does. But for this post, let us look at simple examples.

Morality has long been a subject of debate and introspection, with various cultural, religious, and philosophical perspectives offering differing views on what constitutes a moral person. Traditionally, going to church and attending religious services have been seen as indicators of one’s moral standing, but we all know how well that tends to go over. So, for this musing, let’s leave religion and politics out of this. I have noticed in the past five years of taking notes that those two things do indeed by an extremely high percentage in the area I live, tend to be strong indicators. But I cannot take a large enough sample size to dictate it as truth in my own mind.

The Shopping Cart Theory

The “Shopping Cart Theory” posits that the choice to return a shopping cart to its designated spot, rather than leaving it scattered in the parking lot, is a quintessential test of one’s moral character. This act requires minimal effort and offers no immediate reward or punishment, making it a pure reflection of one’s sense of duty and responsibility. In my time studying different things through object observation this is one of the areas I look at. Almost every time I go shopping, I will see someone leave a cart next to a car, in front or even behind vehicles as well as just in random spots in a parking lot.

Now let’s give some grace to a few. A mom who has three children who unloads and is not comfortable walking five cars over with her kids in the car and makes a decision. Someone who is disabled who was unable to secure a spot closer to the store nor get assistance. These are the types of folks I will just walk up and offer help to instead of just people watching.

Also, please note yes, I am judging most people I watch. This makes me an asshole and I have never pretended to be otherwise. I do try to be an ethical asshole, however. For instance, when I notice someone leaves their cart I will wait, and after they have driven away, I will go put their cart back for them as well as grab any others I see along the way.  Yes, I do this, ask anyone who has been to the store with me.

Why Shopping Cart Returns Matter

The significance of returning shopping carts lies in the broader implications of this seemingly trivial action. When individuals choose to return their carts, they demonstrate respect for communal spaces and consideration for others. This act helps maintain order, prevents potential accidents, and reduces the workload of store employees. It is a small but meaningful way of contributing to collective well-being. It also helps to keep grocery prices a tiny bit lower thanks to insurance claims.

Responsibility and Respect

Returning a shopping cart is an act of responsibility. It shows that a person is willing to take a few extra steps to ensure that the parking lot remains safe and orderly. This responsibility extends beyond mere convenience; it reflects a deeper respect for shared spaces and the people who use them.

Integrity and Accountability

Choosing to return a shopping cart, even when no one is watching, is a testament to one’s integrity. It is an action taken without the expectation of praise or recognition, demonstrating a commitment to doing the right thing simply because it is right. This accountability is a core aspect of moral behavior, highlighting the importance of self-regulation and ethical consistency.

Other Observations:

This is my thesis, my observative musing, my truth as I see it.

People who do not return their shopping carts do not have a great reason on the moral compass not to. (Again, we will leave that to the philosophy of the world and to the actual law folks to argue) I have connected all the following things below through five years of notes. These are not absolutes, but dealing in absolutes is for Sith. In no particular order, here is what I have observed firsthand.

People who do not return shopping carts to their proper place tend to:

1. Complain loudly that masks do not work to help stop the spread of communicable diseases. They will not see that it is to stop their own possible infection from going out, not to keep it from coming in.
2. Will throw garbage out of the car window
3. Will rarely follow the speed limit
4. Will rarely turn into the correct lane when turning left or right.
5. Will rarely give money to someone begging for it on the street
6. Will rarely tip very well if at all
7. Often have bumper stickers that denote their religious and / or political leanings
8. Often have bumper stickers that have to do with “backing the police”
9. Will often buy something, use it, then return it to the store.
10. More often than not, they will act very rudely to customer service workers.

There are other things I have noticed but the ten above are overwhelming, something I have proven to myself living in the small towns I often do. You see the same people in other places, driving, and leaving their shopping carts out and all it takes is a bit of observation and a pen and notebook. After building up 5 years of notes and pouring through the data, the above holds true for my area.

Conclusion on my Musing: Consistency in Moral Behavior

True morality is reflected in consistent behavior across all aspects of life. A person who returns shopping carts is likely to exhibit other forms of ethical behavior, such as kindness, honesty, and respect for others. This consistency is a reliable indicator of moral character in my mind.

When many of us were taught to be people while growing up, we were often taught from a religious standpoint. We were often taught what was right and wrong from a law standpoint. We were also punished for perceived transgression so that we could learn the consequences. None of this comes into play with this simple test. Instead, it is another universal truth that is tested.

I am sure there are further delving’s psychologically into this moral issue. That was not the purpose of what I noticed. Instead, this, just like everything else on this site, are my own observations and beliefs.

Universal Truth: IF you do not return shopping carts when you are done with them and you do not have a reason for it at all, then, you are not a nice person. Being good in this world is not that hard, just treat others as you would want someone else to treat you. This is the truth of morality to me and the shopping cart test is something I will continue to use in my everyday life.