Is The Rule Very Golden?
Ever noticed there’s an issue with the Golden Rule?
“Do as you would be done by.” Matthew 7:12.
One thing that you have in common with a European kid from a thousand years ago is that you both probably heard this from adults growing up. It’s a piece of advice that has transcended centuries. Too bad it’s not very good.
Sure, the Golden Rule is brilliant in the version of the world where you and everyone you interact with are all the same. Where you all want the same things and have the exact same constitution. In that version of the world, the rule applies. In the world we are all living in, though, the Golden Rule is quite unempathetic. Selfish, even.
A more useful version of the rule might be: Do as other people would be done by. [0]
Think Matthew might be open to making a belated revision?
[0] We wrote a whole essay about doing this, if you’re interested.
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