The secret to living a rich, satisfying, happy life is to be found in five simple principles. We've known about these principles for over 5,000 years. Every religious tradition in the world teaches them, as do parents in every country. Without them, civilization would be impossible, because there would be nothing but chaos everywhere. These principles have a transforming effect on who we are and where we go in life. They are the principles of ethics, and they are as follows:

1. Do no harm
2. Make things better
3. Respect others
4. Be fair
5. Be loving

Yes, these principles are simple, but deceptively so, because too often we let fear, anger, or other negative emotions get us off track. This creates a downward spiral, and it's sometimes difficult to get back to where we want to be.

For example, how often do we really keep "do no harm" in mind during our daily interactions with people? If a clerk at the grocery store is nasty to us, don't we return the nastiness and tell ourselves, "Serves them right?" We may--but if we do, we harm the other person. In so doing, we harm our own soul-and this is one of the reasons why we shouldn't return nastiness with more of the same. You might wonder, "If these principles are so commonplace, why do I need to be reminded about them?"

It's true that they're commonplace, but it's also true that in our hectic, overcommitted lives, we get so caught up in the details of getting through the day that it's easy to forget how important these principles are in everything we do. We're also tempted every day to ignore them and to place value on things that ultimately aren't that important. So taking a few steps back to consider these principles is a helpful thing to do.

On the face of it, the principles are about making a difference in the lives of other people. To this extent, taking them seriously seems like something we have to do, something we ought to do, something that, quite frankly, we'd rather not do.

What we'll discover through this quiz, however, is that making ethics our central concern is actually the best way to lead a richer, more fulfilled life. A life that helps us get the things we want: the right partner, a job we love, and a place where we want to live. By taking ethics seriously, we serve as role models to our children and increase the chances that they will go into the world and make us proud.

Recent scandals in the news show the risks we take when we neglect these principles: public humiliation, shame, and in some cases, a lengthy visit to prison. But the main reason for taking ethics seriously is not the dangers of failing to do so, but rather because it's the right thing to do.

The path to a happier, more fulfilled life lies in becoming reacquainted with the principles of ethics, which tell us how we should treat one another. When we act with integrity, we feel better about ourselves, and we then create the conditions for making many wonderful choices in our own lives. When we take the high road in all that we do, we give a gift to others-and ourselves. It's the greatest gift of all.

I'll show you why.

Circle the option you would choose in each scenario, then add up the point values assigned to each of your choices. An analysis of each choice, based on the five Life Principles, appears at the end. (No fair peeking. That wouldn't be ethical!)

1. You see someone take an item from a store and tuck it away. Would you:

2. A commentator on television takes a position with which you strongly disagree. Would you:

3. You are writing your profile for an Internet dating website. The best digital photograph you have of yourself is four years old. You don't think you look all that different, but you aren't sure if others will agree. Would you:

4. You take your 12-year-old son to the movies to see the latest blockbuster. At the ticket booth, you notice a sign that says, "Child admission (up to 11 years), $6.00. Adult admission, $9.75." Would you:

5. You are at a party and one of your friends has become intoxicated. As she prepares to leave the party and drive home, you tell her that she has had too much to drink and that you will take her home. She tells you rudely to mind your own business. Would you:

6. Your friend asks you if you like the new dress she has just purchased. You think it looks horrible but don't want to hurt her feelings. Would you:

7. You see an expensive article of clothing that you want but can't afford. Would you:

8. You and your beloved are having dinner at a fancy restaurant to celebrate your anniversary. When the check arrives, you notice that the waiter forgot to include the expensive bottle of wine you had. Would you:

9. While driving on the highway, a driver behind you speeds in front of you and cuts you off as you're preparing to change lanes. You are startled and scared by his actions. Your children are in the back seat. Would you:

10. You have an expense account where you work. However, you have been turning in expense reports where you have intentionally used company money for personal reasons. You have paid your personal cell phone bills with your business account. You have used the company credit card for meals with your family but claimed that the meals were business expenses. You have used the company vehicle for personal use. Recently the minister in your church gave a sermon addressing this very issue, and it struck a chord with you. You now want to make amends for your conduct. Would you: