The first is that there is no more dangerous and self-deceiving move in moral thinking than to try and act according to basic decency and common sense. As Wittgenstein might say, it's such a simple move that the conjuring trick is made before we know it. It seems harmless but it blocks all possibility for moral discussion before we even get started. If we tell ourselves we act according to basic decency and common sense, then what does that necessarily imply about anyone who disagrees with us?
The second is that seeking the approval of others is unavoidable. We all nurse a fantasy that we can transcend this by basing our moral decisions on abstract moral principles. The problem with that is that the giving of moral reasons is not a private activity. I mean, you could, in theory, sit down and quietly work out what you are going to do in terms of moral reasons but you don't. Even if you were to do so, it would be on the assumption that someone else will learn of this, that you will be giving reasons to someone later.
Don't try and act as if you don't care about others' approval. Try to act so as to seek the approval of someone whose approval is worth seeking. God is an option.
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