The Importance of the Five Precepts : หน้า 139/207

4. We shall not lie, utter profanity, speak nonsense, or use divisive words. 5. We shall not consume intoxicants such as addictive drugs and alcohol. These Precepts are needed to keep peace on earth. **When the Five Precepts are not Observed** The Five Precepts were here even before the birth of the Lord Buddha. He, through the incomparable power of His enlightenment, came to know the existence of the Five Precepts and passed on this knowledge to us. They can also be employed to quantify human behavior, that is: If we can observe all the Five Precepts, then we are 100% human. If we can only maintain four, then we are only 80% human, 20% animalistic. If we can only maintain three, then we are only 60% human, 40% animalistic. If we can only maintain two, then we are only 40% human, 60% animalistic. If we can only maintain one, then we are only 20% human, 80% animalistic. The Warm Hearted Family 276 Teaching Children to Live by the Five Precepts If none of them are observed, that person is no longer a human being. He only exists in human form. He will have no peace, no happiness. He only exists to produce trouble for himself and society. Unfortunately, today, as more and more people deviate from the Five Precepts, not following the Five Precepts has become acceptable. This lack of a moral code has changed a peaceful country into a murderous, fraudulent, adulterous country. Its citizens are dissatisfied and afraid, yet nobody can do anything about it. If parents do not care to teach their children to abide by the Five Precepts, there is no hope that society will improve. The hope that their children will grow up to be responsible adults is empty. **Teaching children to live their lives everyday by the Five Precepts is the most important responsibility that parents have towards their children to brighten their future and essential to the health, peace, and happiness of society as a whole.**