Guidelines for young lives

Press, 22 July 1989, Page 23

Guidelines for young lives

New Ethics for Youth. By Keith Wilson. Published by the author, 1989. 119 pp. Keith Wilson, in his mid-60s, set out to provide a set of ethical guidelines for his grandchildren. He was persuaded to publish the results, the careful reflections of a South Canterbury insurance manager turned artist and deer farmer. The result is a useful book that avoids traditional rigidities, and also avoids the self-centred selfishness that has marked much youthful behaviour in the last 20 years. Wilson is careful to explain that while he has tried to devise a set of guidelines by which to live, he is not

trying to preach a sermon. Religion, in fact, creeps into his book almost as an afterthought. He describes his book as “a series of observations on subjects that I have noticed young people are confused about, and if what I have to say is useful to young readers, then that is my reward.” Underlying the discussions of such matters as freedom, love, sex, marriage, manners, and money is a healthy dose of common sense. Wilson’s book is a helpful addition to the small, home-grown literature on a very important subject. (Available from the author, “The Ranch,” Rosebrook Road, Hadlow, R.D. Timaru.)