How to Apply the Golden Rule
The Golden Rule, also known as the Ethic of Reciprocity, is a morality that dates back to ancient times and is found in religions and philosophies all over the world. It says to treat others the way you want to be treated. Highly disparate cultures have versions of the Golden Rule that remarkably similar, suggesting that this maxim is essential to ethical human conduct. The Golden Rule doesn't prescribe dogma. Instead, it calls on empathy and imagination. The Golden Rule champions behavioral consistency by encouraging people to consider how their actions affect others.
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Instructions
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Think before you speak. Ask yourself how your words will affect others. If you wouldn't want those words said to you, then don't say them to somebody else.
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Think before you act. Ask yourself what impact your deeds will have on others. Consider the ripple effects that could result. If you wouldn't want to experience those effects, whether directly or indirectly, then don't subject others to the same.
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Practice self-control. If you're angry, find a healthy way to deal with your emotions such as exercise, meditation or listening to music. If you wouldn't want people having temper tantrums around you, then don't have temper tantrums around them.
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Practice courtesy. If you find rudeness and cut-throat behaviors unacceptable when you're on the receiving end, then don't perpetrate them on others.
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Develop patience. Sometimes life involves waiting, and taking it as a personal affront does nobody any good. If you find it unpleasant when people are impatient with you, then don't be impatient with them.
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Listen to others when they speak. If you don't like it when people tune you out while thinking their own thoughts or planning what they'll say next, then don't behave that way toward them.
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Help others. If somebody needs help, don't just hang back, hoping somebody else will come to their rescue. If you, in that position, would need help, then do whatever you can to assist the other person.
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Tips & Warnings
Make these mindsets and behaviors a habit by practicing them every day.
References
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