Why doesn't the Golden Rule work?

Question

I guess it's the one from the bible, but I'm not religious, so to me it's just a good, common sense principle to live by. I practice it consistently. Is it too simple--too naive--to be accepted and practiced by everybody? Why do YOU think it doesn't work?

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

Answer 1

I think that you still have it right honey...the people who do not adhere to that age old addage are the ones getting it wrong...I for one do not plan to change because of them...keep being the kind person you are and nevermind the others...

Answer 2

Yes, Matthew 7:12 reads, "Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets."
Why doesn't it work? It should, if folks really thought they'd be treated the way they treat others. What happens instead, however, is a delusion that they can get ahead by cheating. The problem is that they do get ahead, slightly. Then the consequences of cheating (in this case, mistreating others) happens, and they complain about how unfair it is. Yes, it was unfair that they got anywhere by cheating in the first place, but you can't tell them that.

Answer 3

You certainly do not have to be religious to understand the concept of the golden rule. It does take common sense, which is not so common. And it also requires a certain amount of selflessness, which many people in our society are severely lacking.

Answer 4

It is the one from the Bible, but regardless, like you said, it's a good principle.

I KNOW it doesn't work because not everyone adheres to it. If they did, we'd all be in Paradise. However, the problem there is someone would get bored, and muck it up for the rest of us (again).

Answer 5

Because most people would rather do unto others before they do unto them.....
(I think it sucks too... if people would use the Golden Rule, the world would be safer)

Answer 6

I try and I think more people should practice it. Sometimes it is very hard though. Most of the time you don't think of the Golden rule till it's too late.

Answer 7

Just because you want something done to you doesn't mean someone else wants it done to them. Just because I want my husband to make me a bubble bath doesn't mean he wants me to make him a bubble bath. It's better to do unto others as they would be done unto.

Answer 8

I have standards and I try to observe the "golden rule".

Answer 9

It works. Treat peope like you want to be treated. they will come around. If they dont...their loss.

Answer 10

It make you think of how you treat others. and how you would like to be treated, and it makes you think before you get angry. it should be practised more often.