Kohlberg would never say “95% of the world is stuck at Stage 1.” But if he were alive, had Wi-Fi, and scrolled social media for 10 minutes… he’d probably sigh and say, “Yeah… something like that.”
(Five minutes on X. Three Instagram comment sections. One WhatsApp family group. Case closed.)
Here’s the truth in plain sight: Most humans do NOT operate at high moral levels (Stages 5–6). Most adults live in Stage 1 (avoid punishment) or Stage 2 (what’s in it for me?) — with occasional costume changes for Sunday, weddings, or LinkedIn.
(Stage 3 shows up briefly during funerals. Stage 4 appears when the police are nearby.)
For billions of people, morality isn’t philosophy. It’s survival math.
When Survival Runs the System
When you live in:
unstable countries
poverty
corruption
scarcity
weak institutions
collapsing social norms
(In other words: when “tomorrow” is a suggestion, not a guarantee.)
…you’re not sitting around debating Emmanuel Kant.
You’re not thinking about:
justice
human rights
equal dignity
long-term social good
(Those thoughts require quiet, food, safety, and at least one working institution.)
You’re thinking:
“How do I stay out of trouble?”
“How do I eat today?”
“What benefits me right now?”
“Who has power, and how do I avoid them?”
“How do I stay cool with my tribe?”
(Translation: survival first, ethics later — if ever.)
That Is Stage 1 and Stage 2 — No PhD Required
Why This Isn’t Cruel — It’s Reality
1. Morality needs security. Maslow already told us: if the bottom of the pyramid is shaking, nobody is climbing to the top.
(You don’t debate ethics while the floor is on fire.)
If you are:
hungry
unsafe
stressed
oppressed
drowning financially
…you are not pondering universal ethics. You are pondering survival.
Morality becomes a luxury item — like avocado toast.
(Available only when rent is paid and the fridge is not empty.)
2. Most cultures train obedience, not thinking. From childhood, many are taught:
“Do what you’re told.”
“Don’t question authority.”
“Respect elders, even when they’re wrong.”
“Rules are rules — thinking is optional.”
(Independent thinking is suspicious. Asking “why” is rebellious.)
Congratulations. You’ve just institutionalized Stage 1 (obedience) and Stage 4 (law & order). Critical thinking — required for higher morality — is often treated like rebellion.
(And rebels rarely get promoted.)
3. Scarcity makes people primitive (temporarily). When resources shrink, humans revert to:
tribalism
favoritism
self-protection
transactions over values
“us vs them” thinking
(Sharing is overrated when there isn’t enough to share.)
That’s Stage 2 morality on a group discount plan. Stress doesn’t elevate morals — it compresses them.
(Under pressure, ethics shrink to pocket size.)
4. Leaders set the ceiling. If leaders operate on:
fear
punishment
power
self-interest
Then societies don’t rise above Stage 1–2. People copy what works — not what’s preached.
(Morality follows incentives, not speeches.)
The Uncomfortable Truth
Kohlberg’s higher stages (5–6) require:
stability
education
trust in institutions
psychological maturity (and at least one adult in the room)
Those conditions exist for:
a tiny fraction of societies
a tiny fraction of humans
So translated into plain English:
Most people operate on punishment or self-interest
Very few reach principled moral thinking
When survival is the priority, morality becomes optional
Not evil. Not stupid. Just human — under pressure.
(Neanderthal instincts with smartphones.)
Author:John S. Morlu II, CPA is the CEO and Chief Strategist of JS Morlu, leads a globally recognized public accounting and management consultancy firm. Under his visionary leadership, JS Morlu has become a pioneer in developing cutting-edge technologies across B2B, B2C, P2P, and B2G verticals. The firm’s groundbreaking innovations include AI-powered reconciliation software (ReckSoft.com), Uber for handymen (Fixaars.com) and advanced cloud accounting solutions (FinovatePro.com), setting new industry standards for efficiency, accuracy, and technological excellence.
JS Morlu LLC is a top-tier accounting firm based in Woodbridge, Virginia, with a team of highly experienced and qualified CPAs and business advisors. We are dedicated to providing comprehensive accounting, tax, and business advisory services to clients throughout the Washington, D.C. Metro Area and the surrounding regions. With over a decade of experience, we have cultivated a deep understanding of our clients’ needs and aspirations. We recognize that our clients seek more than just value-added accounting services; they seek a trusted partner who can guide them towards achieving their business goals and personal financial well-being. Talk to us || What our clients says about us
A Reality Check on Morality (With Humor, Not Hate)
By: John S. Morlu II, CPA
Kohlberg would never say “95% of the world is stuck at Stage 1.” But if he were alive, had Wi-Fi, and scrolled social media for 10 minutes… he’d probably sigh and say, “Yeah… something like that.”
(Five minutes on X. Three Instagram comment sections. One WhatsApp family group. Case closed.)
Here’s the truth in plain sight: Most humans do NOT operate at high moral levels (Stages 5–6). Most adults live in Stage 1 (avoid punishment) or Stage 2 (what’s in it for me?) — with occasional costume changes for Sunday, weddings, or LinkedIn.
(Stage 3 shows up briefly during funerals. Stage 4 appears when the police are nearby.)
For billions of people, morality isn’t philosophy. It’s survival math.
When Survival Runs the System
When you live in:
(In other words: when “tomorrow” is a suggestion, not a guarantee.)
…you’re not sitting around debating Emmanuel Kant.
You’re not thinking about:
(Those thoughts require quiet, food, safety, and at least one working institution.)
You’re thinking:
(Translation: survival first, ethics later — if ever.)
That Is Stage 1 and Stage 2 — No PhD Required
Why This Isn’t Cruel — It’s Reality
1. Morality needs security. Maslow already told us: if the bottom of the pyramid is shaking, nobody is climbing to the top.
(You don’t debate ethics while the floor is on fire.)
If you are:
…you are not pondering universal ethics. You are pondering survival.
Morality becomes a luxury item — like avocado toast.
(Available only when rent is paid and the fridge is not empty.)
2. Most cultures train obedience, not thinking. From childhood, many are taught:
(Independent thinking is suspicious. Asking “why” is rebellious.)
Congratulations. You’ve just institutionalized Stage 1 (obedience) and Stage 4 (law & order). Critical thinking — required for higher morality — is often treated like rebellion.
(And rebels rarely get promoted.)
3. Scarcity makes people primitive (temporarily). When resources shrink, humans revert to:
(Sharing is overrated when there isn’t enough to share.)
That’s Stage 2 morality on a group discount plan. Stress doesn’t elevate morals — it compresses them.
(Under pressure, ethics shrink to pocket size.)
4. Leaders set the ceiling. If leaders operate on:
Then societies don’t rise above Stage 1–2. People copy what works — not what’s preached.
(Morality follows incentives, not speeches.)
The Uncomfortable Truth
Kohlberg’s higher stages (5–6) require:
Those conditions exist for:
So translated into plain English:
Not evil. Not stupid. Just human — under pressure.
(Neanderthal instincts with smartphones.)
Author: John S. Morlu II, CPA is the CEO and Chief Strategist of JS Morlu, leads a globally recognized public accounting and management consultancy firm. Under his visionary leadership, JS Morlu has become a pioneer in developing cutting-edge technologies across B2B, B2C, P2P, and B2G verticals. The firm’s groundbreaking innovations include AI-powered reconciliation software (ReckSoft.com), Uber for handymen (Fixaars.com) and advanced cloud accounting solutions (FinovatePro.com), setting new industry standards for efficiency, accuracy, and technological excellence.
JS Morlu LLC is a top-tier accounting firm based in Woodbridge, Virginia, with a team of highly experienced and qualified CPAs and business advisors. We are dedicated to providing comprehensive accounting, tax, and business advisory services to clients throughout the Washington, D.C. Metro Area and the surrounding regions. With over a decade of experience, we have cultivated a deep understanding of our clients’ needs and aspirations. We recognize that our clients seek more than just value-added accounting services; they seek a trusted partner who can guide them towards achieving their business goals and personal financial well-being.
Talk to us || What our clients says about us