Is the Golden Rule still a good rule to follow?

Question

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Something like that.

Answer 1

Yes, unless you are a masochist.

Answer 2

I think it is still a good rule to follow. Yes it was in the bible but I also heard that several other people came up with that too. I mean it is just common sense. Say you need a friend to lend you some cash...if they do wouldn't they be more willing to return the favor when you are in need. Or if you are very rude to a customer, they will prolly be rude right back. I think it is still a good one to apply to everyday life.

Answer 3

No

"The Low End: Do to others as they do to you

This more common form of the ethic of reciprocity also doesn't work because, for example, a violent warrior is going to have a very different idea of what normal conduct is. One who fights for survival is both willing to attack others, and defend himself, and upholding the ethic of reciprocity appears to tell him that it is ok for him to attack others, just because it's something he expects to happen to him too. Survivalists and those who expect others to treat them badly, who are happy in a tooth-for-tooth world are given the all-clear to go forth and act as they wish. The ethic of reciprocity is too idealistic, and can only ever maintain the status quo rather than create an atmosphere of goodwill. Most support it because they are unable to think of a better way, and it has a feel-good factor because the statement is "seen as good".

"At the lower end, this is the rule of vendetta, 'an eye for an eye'. Violent behaviour by one group tends to produce a justification for the morality of violence by any opposing groups."

"A History of Sin" by Oliver Thomson, p34

Mostly this is due to its simplicity, it is the first general ethical statement that can be made when you take relativism between people into account, so most organized systems of thought and personal philosophies contain many exceptions and additions to this ethic. For example, no-one wants to be put in jail, yet most people believe that a prison system is morally better than having no prison system.

In short, this form of reciprocal ethics only can support the status quo, it does not create any better moral system than what already exists. It is superfluous, and with codes like these things can only get worse!"

- Written by Vexen Crabtree

Read the full article here:
http://www.vexen.co.uk/notes/golden.html

Answer 4

Yes! What's wrong with the world today is that people treat others disrespectfully and then expect to get treated with respect from the same person they just disrespected. Have you ever heard of the saying, "What comes around go around?" What you do to others is what comes back to you. Watch how people react to each other, and you will see what I mean.

Answer 5

Yes and No.
Follow it and feel good about yourself but be prepared to get screwed over along the way by those folks that don't follow it.......
In a perfect world it would be a wonderful way to live.... Unfortunately OUR world is highly imperfect.....
Just my .02 cents.
RAS

Answer 6

Yes it is because it is the law of creative visualization. We all create our tomorrows with our thoughts today. However you treat others today is what you will get tomorrow.

Answer 7

I think it is important to be compassionate regardless of the consequences.

Answer 8

Well it is a contented and rewarding way to live

Answer 9

Always in fashion, always in style. I try to live it everyday. It transcends all beliefs and non-beliefs.

Answer 10

Why wouldn't it be?

What part of it seems inappropriate for any time or place?