bd-from-kg

Come on, guys. The Golden Rule was never intended to be taken literally. It's a poeticway of expressing the idea that, just as you would like other people to understand your point of view and take your interests properly into account, you should try to understand other people's points of view and take their interests properly into account. It's a plea for understanding, empathy, consideration for others.

Evil Milkman

I thought it was "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." Something like that, right?

That means don't BE that asshole who punches someone and steals there shoes. The matter is on yourself with this rule.

vixstile

Thats right, but my query was in regards to what would be the appropriate response to such behavior.

The AntiChris

It's really not that difficult.

Respond in a way that you, personally, would find fair and just had you acted like an asshole.

Chris

The Other Michael

vixstile,

The GR proscribes action, where the SR, as I've understood it, prescribes inaction.

In other words, the SR basically says don't bother other people, where the GR encourages one to go out and bother them (as you'd like to be bothered).

We've got too many people going around bothering (with hopefully good intentions) others, and I think things might improve if people would just leave other people alone.

cheers,
Michael

Xeluan

I disagree. The GR doesn't imply action or inaction but simply asks that you treat others with the respect that you want to be treated in social interactions. I don't see how GR can be interpreted as "going out and bothering people."
I'm not sure exactly what situations you are referring to so if you'd like to explain then I'd appreciate it.

I think improvement will not come from less of bothering people but more respect for others outside your immediate circle. But that is another story.

Xeluan

Naked Ape

I find it amusing that when the gospel fabricators included the golden rule that they got it screwed up. I believe that the rule makes most sense phrased: This version holds up better as a practical guide to life.

Cheers

Naked Ape

Autonemesis

But that's just typical religious hypocrisy: you're enforcing the Golden Rule on the other guy, while disobeying it yourself (unless you also want to be punched and robbed).