Many people believe that the Golden Rule, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" is the ultimate solution to people getting along.
I think it has the same flaw that many organized (universalistic) religions have: it implies that there is only one right way to do something and that if your intentions are good that it is OK to inflict it on others.
Would the Platinum Rule be better, "Do unto others as they wish to have done unto them"? Are the people of the world capable of learning this lesson?
P.S.: Despite popular belief, the Golden Rule was NOT one of Christ's teachings. He, like many other great prophets, did express the idea of it though.
2007-02-01 05:46:07 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
The Platinum Rule would require communication. You would have to find out more about someone before assuming that you know what they want/need.
The Platinum Rule is reflexive. Someone like a pedophile who takes advantage of the helpless is NOT participating in the Platinum Rule; therefore they do not receive it.
2007-02-01 06:15:53 · update #1
By that argument according to the Golden Rule, it would be OK for someone to be a pedophile as long as they did not mind being molested. How is that a better argument than the Platinum Rule where it would only be OK only if they could find a willing victim (innocents do not count as willing).
2007-02-01 06:21:19 · update #2
I like the way you're thinking, although I'd have to say it is pretty hard to know what others want. And if you do know what they want and it is bad, like self-graitification or ego-stroking, would it really be wise to give it to them?
I do agree with you that the golden rule is a bit flawed but only in the sense that I want people to let me be and so by doing that to others it seems like I ignore them. Maybe the rule should be, help if you can and want to help, if there is no need for help, just do something else. It's not as catchy as the golden or platinum rule, but it's a start.
2007-02-01 05:53:40 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I don't think that the platinum rule is as good. People are selfish and this rule would make it ok for pedophiles for example to encourage children to have sex with them. It is not OK to inflict pain if your intentions are good.
Jesus Himself was put out with organized religion. If we let Him and not other peoples interpretation of Him rule us we will be kind. He really hated the religious leaders and was stern with them. As to sinners He was kind. If we are to find Him we have to approach in Humility and not arrogance.
2007-02-01 14:02:22 · answer #2 · answered by bess 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. The Golden Rule is the solution to the problem.
Treat others as you would have others treat you. (Okay, I paraphrased. You get the point.)
I want to be treated with respect, and spoken to courteously and politely. Therefore I treat others with respect and speak to them courteously and politely.
The problem is not the rule. It's that few people take the time to stop thinking about themselves long enough to follow it.
2007-02-01 15:16:06 · answer #3 · answered by sylvia 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Golden Rule is good, people are the problem. Have a nice day.
2007-02-01 13:54:56 · answer #4 · answered by bubu 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I thought the Golden rule was: He who controls the Gold makes the rules.
2007-02-01 13:59:48 · answer #5 · answered by selena d 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The problem with the 'golden rule' is that suppose you are a child molester, or sex addict - you'd have others molest and have sex with you, so then you'd be molesting and having sex with them, would you not?
On the other hand, do unto others as they wish... how do you know what others wish? Isn't that like mind reading?
2007-02-01 13:54:04 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Nope. The Gold Rule is a good rule. The problem is that MOST people don't live by it.
2007-02-01 13:49:57 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
"Many other great prophets"! That phrase alone is a solution to a lot of problems. There is no one right and all the rest is wrong.
2007-02-01 13:52:54 · answer #8 · answered by Gorgeoustxwoman2013 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
that's a better rule, yeah. good luck figuring out what the other people want.
oh, and careful what you give the addicts. and don't feed the bears.
2007-02-01 13:49:44 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
the problem is this:
there IS a devil
there IS sin
therefore, we need a redeemer
until peeps get this FACT, it'll never get better here on earth
is this NEW educational system (social progressive) helping?
NO
more teen dropouts, pregnancies, drug use etc
2007-02-01 13:53:02 · answer #10 · answered by whacky doodler 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋