The Golden & Platinum Rules (2024)

Times are rapidly changing; the days when you could treat people poorly are no longer acceptable. I love seeing the transition of the world. I cannot imagine living during times when people judged you by the color of your skin, your religion, your gender, etc. Let's face it, it still happens, but the accountability ruler is much longer. I remember when I was younger, older folks would say, "Treat people the way you want to be treated", they were referring to the Golden Rule. I love the concept, but it only applies to some.

I am naturally outgoing and optimistic, and I have treated people how I thought they wanted to be treated, to discover later that they were overwhelmed by me being positive. I learned an important lesson; some people like to have minimum interaction and go home. We can only push people to do what they want to do or what they are willing to pursue. This includes friends, family, and other associates. The Golden Rule is situational, but the Platinum Rule is an alternative that can be further explored.

The Golden Rule and the Platinum Rule are two philosophical principles widely discussed in various fields, including ethics, sociology, and psychology. Both rules offer guidance on how to treat others, but they differ in their approach. In this article, we will explore the differences between the Golden and Platinum Rules and their implications for human interactions.

The Golden Rule, also known as the ethic of reciprocity, states that you should treat others as you want. It is a simple yet powerful principle that various cultures and religions have embraced for centuries. The Golden Rule encourages individuals to empathize with others and treat them with respect and kindness, as they would want to be treated themselves. It also promotes the idea of fairness and mutual benefit.

The Platinum Rule, on the other hand, takes a slightly different approach. It suggests that you should treat others the way they want to be treated. The key word is they; this takes work to get to know people enough to determine their work, friendship, or preferred communication style. This principle recognizes that everyone has different needs, preferences, and values and that treating everyone the same way may only sometimes be practical or appropriate. Instead, the Platinum Rule encourages individuals to listen to others, understand their needs and desires, and adapt their behavior accordingly.

While the Golden and Platinum Rules promote positive interactions and relationships, they have different implications for human behavior. The Golden Rule focuses more on the individual's perspective and encourages individuals to treat others based on their preferences and values. However, the Platinum Rule recognizes the importance of individual differences and enables individuals to adapt their behavior to meet the unique needs and preferences of others.

The Platinum Rule is particularly relevant in today's diverse and multicultural society, where individuals from different backgrounds and cultures have different expectations and values. By listening to others and understanding their needs, we can all build stronger relationships and avoid tension, misunderstandings, and conflicts.

In conclusion, the Golden and Platinum Rules are two valuable principles guiding how we treat others. While the Golden Rule encourages individuals to treat others as they would like to be treated themselves, the Platinum Rule recognizes the importance of individual differences and enables people to adapt their behavior to meet the unique needs and preferences of others. Both rules have their place in human interactions, and we should all strive to find the right balance between them to promote positive relationships and interactions. Regardless of which rule you lean towards, be a good human to yourself and others. Cheers!