WOW Word-Of-the-Week #283: Golden Rule
December 27, 2009 by Susan Clarke
Golden Rule – do to others as you would have them do to you.
Do you treat people the way you would like to be treated? Do you believe in retribution as in “an eye for an eye?” Are you able to view the world through another person’s perspective?
I felt everyone could benefit from reading this San Diego Union editorial comment by Jai Ghorpade. “The Golden Rule is a universally recognized moral principle that is found, in different combinations of words, in all religions and in the writings of the great philosophers. The secular rationale is that the quality of the emotional climate will be enriched, and collective gains will be higher, if individuals obligate themselves to go beyond seeking equivalency and retribution to mutual caring in their relationships.”
“Assuming a willingness to go in that direction, there are four personal qualities that can serve as the foundation for being able to treat others as you would have them treat you in today’s context:
1) Introspection: How well do you understand your own feelings, biases, values, beliefs and motives? Are you ready to ‘treat thy neighbor as thyself’ regardless of the person’s race, religion, gender, age, physical appearance or sexual orientation?
2) Compassion: Do you have sympathy for the suffering of others? Do you have the humility to apologize and to make amends with those you have hurt or treated disrespectfully?
I am going to share the other two next week and allow you to absorb and put into practice these first two qualities. This week focus on introspection and compassion. How well do you understand your own feelings? Do you treat others with respect? Is there someone you need to make amends with?
Reader Responses
I have compassion and treat people as I want to be treated every day. I have to admit, however, that there are times when I probably don’t appreciate what it is like to walk in another’s shoes. Having that kind of empathy is something that I continue to work on. Most of us generally see the world as we WOULD LIKE TO SEE IT – through OUR EYES! And, since we are perfect how could anyone not see the world as we do. In that respect, it can be difficult to see others’ points of view. So, that is something I certainly need to work on. What it requires of me is that I listen to others so that I can learn from whence they are coming. Thank you, Susan. The Golden Rule needs to be taken seriously by all of us. Have a great week, Susan. “Warrior” Joe
Again, I enjoyed your perspective. Today’s subject also had a lot of ‘meat on the bone’. (A primitive expression in Applachia!) I will be awaiting your follow-up next week. Hope your holidays were grand. PC in Tennessee
Happy New Year Susan! I look forward to another year of “WOWs.” Oh, I wanted to ask if you have a Facebook page. If not, why not consider? We could have discussions on your topics for the week, and get to know others who are on your mailing list. It would be very interesting. Just a thought. Thanks again, Linda