Although the golden rule is often associated with religion, essentially, it's the ethical principle of treating other people as one's self would prefer to be treated. Whether referred to as the golden rule of Christianity or any other religion, it's a universal law that can be applied to anyone, regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, or religion. However, while just one golden rule is widely known and accepted, there can be numerous.
In essence, the golden rules refer to subjective principles a person always obeys, no matter the circumstances. And while the universal rules of life may differ per individual, they usually contain advice that may benefit, if not everyone, then many individuals. When a while back, someone asked on Reddit, "What is your golden rule?" from the number of upvotes on the entries, it became apparent that many people share similar rules to live by.
Below, we've compiled some of the best answers from the thread, sharing the golden rules people abide by. Do you agree with any of the rules below? If you do, make sure to give them an upvote! Also, what is the golden rule you follow that hasn't been mentioned in the list? Let us know in the comments!
#3
"Be where you said you were going to be when you said you were going to be there."
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24points
#4
mintzie said:
"Be hard on the problem and soft on the person."
"Be hard on the problem and soft on the person."
WaffleFoxes replied:
"My religious extended family did such a great job of this. They're the "genuine believer" sorts that do missions trips and visit prisons and such. They deeply believe that some things are sinful and you shouldn't do them.
"My religious extended family did such a great job of this. They're the "genuine believer" sorts that do missions trips and visit prisons and such. They deeply believe that some things are sinful and you shouldn't do them.
However, when one son got his high school girlfriend pregnant they just did what they could to support them both. Another son brought his new girlfriend - a former stripper - to the family reunion and everybody was perfectly welcoming. They're good at taking the "This isn't the path we would have chosen, but we're family so sit down and grab one of grandma's cookies and let's play some Rummikub" point of view."
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22points
#5
"If you don't have time to do it right, what makes you think you have time to do it twice?"
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22points
#6
"Be a decent/kind human being, regardless of whether or not it will benefit you. The world needs more good people, why not be one?"
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21points
#8
"You don't know what someone else may be dealing with, so be understanding. Always be honest. Try to do the right thing, even when no one is watching."
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19points
#9
"If you aren't bothering me and/or hurting anyone, I don't give really care what you're doing."
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18points
#11
"Don't tell people what emotion they are feeling. Whether you outright accuse them of it (i.e. "You don't have to get so upset about it!", "Stop overreacting", etc.) or indirectly claim it through a question (i.e. "Why do you get so embarrassed when..."), it is often embarrassing or even insulting to the individual to have their entire current state of being reduced to a single word. That word you just accused them of being, even when used with the best intentions, does not even come close to the way they are really feeling.
This is my philosophy on why the common "Calm down", "Stop overreacting", etc. are often responded to with "I AM CALM" or "I'M NOT OVERREACTING." It's not that they disagree with you, it's that you are misrepresenting the way they feel. Instead, try asking them how they feel. Let them describe it to you because once you understand them in their own terms, you will better understand how they are perceiving the conversation. I have become very aware of this and find that my conversations are much more meaningful and effective when I make a conscious effort to avoid it."
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17points
#13
"Be tolerant of others' beliefs, ideals, and choices. If it's not affecting you or yours, it's really none of your business."
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17points
#15
"Everyone has a story. There's a reason for the behavior of everyone. Reach out when you see people in need. You can change lives."
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15points
#16
"Driver picks the music. Don't touch my radio, I won't touch yours."
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15points
#20
"'Do not speak of the ocean to the frog that lives in the well.'
It's great to be open to new things, but you'll be much happier when you accept that you can't drag everyone along with you. You'll waste a lot of breath and just get tuned out. Everyone has to find their own path."
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14points