To keep the Golden Rule we must put ourselves in other people's places, but to do that consists in and depends upon picturing ourselves in their places.” Harry Emerson Fosdick
Definition of The Golden Rule
- a basic principle which should always be followed.
- a command based on Jesus' words in the Sermon on the Mount;
"So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." (Matthew 7:12)
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/golden+rule
http://www.onelook.com/?w=golden+rule&ls=a
At Wikipedia
The ethic of reciprocity or the Golden Rule is a fundamental moral value which simply means "treat others as you would like to be treated." It is arguably the most essential basis for the modern concept of human rights. Principal philosophers and religious figures have stated it in different ways.In Buddhism
Putting oneself in the place of another, one should not kill nor cause another to kill.
One who, while himself seeking happiness, oppresses with violence other beings who also desire happiness, will not attain happiness hereafter.
If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion. Dalai Lama
In Confucianism
Never impose on others what you would not choose for yourself. Analects XV.24,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethic_of_reciprocity
Some Questions To Ponder:
- What does the golden rule mean to you?
- Do you have your own creative version of the Golden Rule?
- Do you have a personal story or anecdote of how you learned some insight into this value?
- How does this progressive value differ from conservative values?
- How have conservative values failed?
