The Golden Rule
We’ve heard it a million times to, “treat others as you would treat yourself.” It’s so simple, yet perhaps the deepest piece of philosophy ever written. If only individuals and governments kept it in mind, the world would be a different place.
The line was written a few thousand years ago, but my dad said it so often I felt like he’s the one who coined it. But of course a lot of people say the golden rule, and pretty much all cultures and belief systems have similar wisdom. That’s because it’s so simple. “Treat others as you want to be treated.”
If the golden rule is so simple, why do we break it? There used to be a waffle commercial on TV that had the answer; “leggo my ego.” Were they referring to their egos while manipulating each other trying to get the tasty waffle? If someone was going to have to leave the table hungry, why not just cut the dang waffle in half and share? Maybe they did, I can’t remember. And where were their parents in all this?
The ego is the guilty one. If a person is too focused on their own needs, then it’s harder to think of others and act in a way that’s best for them; hence, no waffle sharing. Treating others well requires an ability to truly appreciate their circumstances and to know from personal experience what they are going through, or what their needs might be.
If we can truly appreciate how much it sucks to be hurt, we become less likely to hurt others. If in a situation we can think about how nice it would be for someone to share their food with us when we’re hungry, then we’re more likely to do the same for them. Kindness is king.
We probably all break the golden rule as well as act contrary to our best interests for similar reasons. Life’s pressure is probably the main culprit. The speed of life makes it easy to act based on what’s easy or what feels good for the moment; but staying focused on doing the right thing by other people, and ourselves, makes life better for everybody.
Remember, kindness is king!
In any of your current or past relationships, be it a best friend, teammate, family member, boyfriend or girlfriend, do you ever think about the Golden Rule before acting on a situation?
Do you think the world would be different if even only half the world lived by, and implemented this Rule into their daily lives??
Emily Daggett
Violence Prevention Specialist
Start Strong Wichita
