Ethical and moral values are done more frequently if someone is watching.
Proof of this is in the lawsuits that has taken place and thus cause many to change their point of view:
Enron
Discrimination lawsuits
Workforce diversity
Plus it can be seen in simple things like littering - people will litter if they know they will not be seen
I think that's how you should aim to live your life, but unfortunately many don't!
If everybody did live by this ruling, then I'm sure that the world would be a better place for us all to live in.
I guess though, that people feel they can drop their 'front' when others aren't around, and just put on a falseness for others because it makes their lives easier.
If you think about it, it's an easier way to live. It's much easier to make the same decisions regardless of who is watching you. Then, there is no need to worry about what others will discover about us and we are able to feel much better about ourselves.
I believe in doing what is right no matter where you are. Like it was said before It is easier to account for ones action if they are always trying to do what is right. That way you are not held accountable for something you were caught doing wrong. I may not always do the right thing at the time when I reflect back upon it but then again I am not perfect yet. I do try to do what I feel is right at the time.
Each man must for himself alone decide what is right and what is wrong, which course is patriotic and which isn't. You cannot shirk this and be a man. To decide against your conviction is to be an unqualified and excusable traitor, both to yourself and to your country, let men label you as they may:
-- Mark Twain