Why Is It So Hard for Us to Follow the Golden Rule? (2024)

FAQs

Why Is It So Hard for Us to Follow the Golden Rule? ›

And so the answer to why is it so hard for us to follow the Golden Rule is that despite the good intentions of our teachers to teach us to respect one another, we've been taught far more examples of how not to treat one another.

The Golden Rule is the principle of treating others as one would want to be treated by them. It is sometimes called an ethics of reciprocity, meaning that you should reciprocate to others how you would like them to treat you (not necessarily how they actually treat you).

About 93 per cent follow the Golden Rule. Through a belief elicitation method, the research also finds that, possibly to the surprise of many economists, such Golden Rule behaviour is not driven by people's monetary pursuit.

Due to the possibility of misinterpretation, the Golden Rule is not a perfect tool. It cannot always be used to eliminate nonsense in the clear sense of the law. For this reason, several lawyers have developed their own procedure for applying the rule in order to make it more effective.

The Golden Rule underlies acts of kindness, caring, and altruism that go above and beyond “business as usual” or “usual care” (Huang, 2005). As such, this heuristic or 'rule of thumb' has universal appeal and helps guide our behaviors toward the welfare of others.

And so the answer to why is it so hard for us to follow the Golden Rule is that despite the good intentions of our teachers to teach us to respect one another, we've been taught far more examples of how not to treat one another. All we have to do is turn on the news or go on social media to see countless examples.

In his chapter on the Golden Rule, for example, Gensler is quick to note that one of the problems with it is that it does not take into account the fact that people stand in different relations to each other and in different sets of circ*mstances: it does not take it into account that you and I will be in a different ...

1. Common Observations and Tradition. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” This seems the most familiar version of the golden rule, highlighting its helpful and proactive gold standard.

One of the first moral lessons Americans learn as children is the golden rule — some version of “treat others the way you want to be treated.”

The Golden Rule doesn't really mean that you should treat someone else exactly as you'd want them to treat you … it means that you should try to imagine how they want to be treated, and do that. So when you put yourself in their shoes, ask yourself how you think they want to be treated.

What are the negatives of the Golden Rule? ›

A major disadvantage of The Golden Rule is that judges can technically change the law by changing the meaning of words in statutes. They can, potentially infringing the separation of powers between legal and legislature. The Golden Rule won't help if there is no absurdity in the statute.

The golden rule is fatally flawed because it requires no empathy whatsoever. Sociopaths and psychopaths can easily follow it. You only need to think about how you want to be treated, and then do the same. You don't need to consider someone else's perspective at all.

Instead of imposing a single framework, the Platinum Rule adapts to the needs of each individual, creating a more nuanced, respectful, and effective interaction. Enter the "Platinum Rule"—treat others how they wish to be treated. Here are three compelling reasons why this principle trumps its golden predecessor.

The golden rule is a rule of conduct and a way of being. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” In other words, behave the way you want others to behave. And it works because you're in alignment with your values, of course – but it also transforms the energy around you.

The Golden Rule is often memorized and often cited, but it is more than a philosophical idea to be written down in autobiographies and self-help books. It is a practical approach to living that can help us filter good choices from bad ones.

Golden Rule, precept in the Gospel of Matthew (7:12): “In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you. . . .” This rule of conduct is a summary of the Christian's duty to his neighbour and states a fundamental ethical principle.

The Golden Rule doesn't really mean that you should treat someone else exactly as you'd want them to treat you … it means that you should try to imagine how they want to be treated, and do that. So when you put yourself in their shoes, ask yourself how you think they want to be treated.

1) Debit what comes in - credit what goes out. 2) Credit the giver and Debit the Receiver. 3) Credit all income and debit all expenses.

Examples of the golden rule

For example: If you want people to be polite to you, then you should be polite to them. (positive form) If you don't want people to be rude to you, then you shouldn't be rude to them.

"The golden rule is steeped in empathy: the basic premise of do to the other as you want done to you or even what you hope for others is what you hope for yourself," says Ramani Durvasula, a professor of psychology at California State University, Los Angeles.