The Golden Rule
Society today is filled with so much multitasking; we seem to forget little things like common courtesy. Sir Isaac Newton knew that for every action there is a reaction. For example, action, going into a building and having the person in front of you let the door slam in your face. Reaction to this would be you getting hurt if it hits you and becoming engulfed with feelings of anger and inadequacy. Now let’s take the same scenario, but have the person hold the door for you. Reaction to this would be a feeling of significance. Now hopefully, this action will be repeated not only by you, but to whomever you demonstrate this courtesy too.
Do on to others as you would want them to do on to you. Better known as the golden rule, there are references to at least 8 world religions. “Christianity Mathew 7:1 “All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you do ye so to them; for this is the law and the prophets.” Confucianism “Do not do to others what you would not like yourself.” Analects 12:2. Buddhism “Hurt not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful.” Judaism Talmud, “What is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow man this is the entire law, the rest is commentary.” Shabbat 3id.” (http://www.teachingvalues.com/goldenrule.html). These are just a few of the golden rule teachings. This rule has been taught to us for thousands of years in all different cultures around the world.
The key element of the golden rule is that you should treat all people with the same respect that you expect. Not only are you to be nice to family and friends, but to all people you encounter during the course of your day. It is important to remember the entire Golden Rule. Do unto others as you want them to do unto you. If one only remembers the first part, do unto others, then we are in danger of forgetting common courtesy.
So what does common courtesy and the golden rule have in common? I feel common courtesy is the golden rule. Common courtesy is our respect for our common man. It means treating everyone with respect that is our basic human right. It means kindness for our fellow man no matter what gender, race or age.
What would our world be without common courtesy? People would do what they want, no matter what the consequence. They would park in handicap spaces without being handicap. They would line jump while waiting to go to the movies. They would not care what you had to say, only their opinion matters. They would let the door slam in your face. So in this busy world in which we reside, maybe we should slow down and remember what our ancestors and our parents have tried to teach us.
