of Do unto others as you would have them do unto you...it is a simple phrase. But how do you trust that in your kindness you will not become a doormat? Why do we struggle so with simply treating others as we would like to be treated? Even the kindest people I know are not always treating others as they should.
2006-07-20 05:54:18 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
because we all justify our actions to match our self-interest. If we do something bad or wrong, it's justified in our minds some way so that we don't feel guilty. It's a rough world, people make mistakes. That's why there is a "forgive" clause. ;-)
2006-07-20 05:58:15 · answer #1 · answered by truthyness 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
To follow the golden rule we first need to understanding that it is what we do unto ourselves is what others do unto us, so loving and respecting ourselves the way we want others to love and respect ourselves is the best way to follow the golden rule. Because others will only reflect on us the way we treat ourselves. Life is always a full circle.
So, what you don’t do unto yourself is what you won’t allow others to do unto you and it is also what you won’t allow yourself to do unto others.
That is why; loving and respecting ourselves is the first and the only step needed in following the golden rule, because the rest will follow naturally.
Another reason people find it easy to excuse themselves of the golden rule is because they think since they don't see any direct or immediate consequences of their actions they can or have gotten away with it, especially when they are in a position of power. But as the golden rule says what you do unto others is also what will be done unto you.
It really is based on a simple physics rule that every action has an equal and opposite reaction, so take your pick after all it is your life and you can create it exactly the way you want. Your every choice in the present is creating your future experiences. That is the power of freewill.
2006-07-20 06:48:13 · answer #2 · answered by Abhishek Joshi 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The golden rule works well for kind people who do not necessarily expect the same treatment back from others. It is a selfless act and you should not expect others to play along.
Plus, some people have a bad self image and actually like being treated poorly. If they treat others this way, the golden rule will break down and work against us.
2006-07-20 08:33:10 · answer #3 · answered by Chris 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's because most people have been brought up with an extra word inserted into the phrase. They think it says, "Do unto others BEFORE they do unto you." That changes the whole dynamic.
I prefer Rabbi Hillel's comment that Love Thy Neighbor as Theyself is the key to all scripture, all the rest is just commentary.
And again, loving (and honoring, as in honor your parents), doesn't mean letting everyone have their way with you. Part of how we love our children is BY setting boundries and limits for them. We can love parents and neighbors the same way.
2006-07-20 06:36:23 · answer #4 · answered by Rico Toasterman JPA 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It IS such a great thought, especially if everyone practiced it, the world would be such a great place to live. Unfortunately many of us have our own agendas and will walk on others to get what we want. The greediest people take advantage of the most generous. What a shame.
2006-07-20 05:57:13 · answer #5 · answered by ĴΩŋ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
something like that has become to hard for the people of todays society to grasp. shame on them. I do not pity anyone who ends up in hell, they got there themselves...
as for your question... simple ideas like such of how to live a good, peaceful life may, in fact, be too hard to people to comprehend. when it comes down to human emotions and behaviors, i'm sure a lot of people would not want to be treated the way they treat others... it would require a completely selfless act, and someone would have to 'give' first.. and no one wants to be the first to give.
2006-07-20 07:54:53 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think for the most part, people don't truly love themselves. They may claim to, but when it boils down to it, they don't. And because we don't, we don't know how to truly love other people - honestly, simply and with integrity.
On some level, I do think we treat others how we treat ourselves. We treat ourselves poorly and treat others poorly. So in that sense we do follow it.
However, not in the selfless giving way that it is urged in Christianity and so many other religions.
2006-07-20 06:21:52 · answer #7 · answered by Jes 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Becaue if you follow the "rule" you will find that when you think you're treating someone properly, by your own standards, they will feel abused and curse you.
There's no way to fix the contexts and personal preferences.
Hence diametry in the perception of injustice.
2006-07-20 09:42:38 · answer #8 · answered by -.- 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Kindness does not make you a doormat. Sometimes saying 'no' is a kindness.
But for your general question - most people think "it's all about me", and loose sight of the bigger picture.
2006-07-20 05:59:13 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's hard for folks to go against their selfish nature. (Me included.) I try to treat people like I'd want to be treated. I don't think that it is a dumb rule. I wish more people would at least try to practice it.
2006-07-20 06:09:15 · answer #10 · answered by classic_tigger 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋