How Golden is the Golden rute
Human beings always praise qualities that are virtuous and condemn those that are vices.
Our life is programmed in a good or bad opposite realities. First is considered virtuous and the other vice. So right from childhood, we are programmed in a way to differentiate good from bad according to what society dictates.
So we are advised to do good, say the truth, be humble, respect our elders and many more. Those who do these things are considered responsible beings. Those who do otherwise are given many names to show that they are against the values of the society.
The golden rule is a 'good' principle that we are advised to follow. As a principle, it says we should treat others as we would want to be treated.
This rule is both religious and cultural. It is found in many religions and cultures.
For the religious, it can be found in Matthew 7:12. For the society, it is seen as ethics or morality principle that guides members of such community.
The value it preaches is good but from another angle, it could be preaching inaction or selfishness.
If we go by the rule, then stingy person will keep his stuffs to himself provided he wont ask others to give him their stuffs. So he would be keeping his part of the bargain.
A man who doesn't want anyone's help will keep to himself and not help anyone since that is what he want done to him too.
Someone who doesn't believe in traveling aboard for anything would not extend his hands of help to anyone dreaming of going abroad since that is what he wants done to him.
A man who would not want a kidney donated to him would simply not donate to anyone because that is what he would want done to him.
Someone who sees hunger as a measure of self discipline would not be moved by the idea to help someone who is hungry because that is what he would want done to him.
Some people even have this idea that if they fail to secure their property very well, then it should be stollen. Similarly, they believe anyone who fails to do the same, they would simply do it to them.
Someone who hates 'love' would simply share hatred around and would gladly expect same thing in return.
Those who don't visit others gladly expect same done to them as they are not moved by such visit.
If i am the one who doesn't wants to be helped, it is logical to say i wont help you. I would appreciate if you reciprocate same gesture. That way, the golden rule is being honoured.
The idea here is that there are many bad things that wont move people if done to them and as such, a golden rule would be strengthening them in fulfilling that task.
For someone who keeps malice and enjoys doing it, you will be doing the person good by also keeping malice with him. You would be honouring the golden rule because you are doing to him what he did to you.
Remember the rule doesn't say do 'good' to others or avoid doing 'bad' to others. It only says 'do ye unto others'.
As human, we assume we naturally want 'good' done to us even when we did not define the term 'good'. It is a miscalculated move to assume everyone wants the same thing.
So, in my opinion, good should be added to the rule and it should be defined properly.
Because it is golden rule says nothing about good or bad. It only say 'do'!!!