Universal Constant: “The Golden Rule”
Preface: Universal Constants is a series where I post bits of common knowledge that may be relevant to any or all aspects of life as we know it. These are “undeniable” principles of reality that often span the fields of philosophy, theology, history, psychology, science and politics.
We've all heard this one since we were tiny kids. "Treat others as you would wish to be treated". Seems simple enough, doesn't it? Yet it is as though every new generation, starting with the baby-boomers I suppose, seem to exhibit less and less respect for their fellow human beings as well as themselves. What does that say about our society?
We have more hate crimes, blatant home invasions, car-jackings, etc, than in the past. We've got dumb-ass kids that have the gall to video themselves as they vandalize buildings or shop-lift or commit drive-bys, nailing people on the streets with paintball guns, rocks or just water balloons. They act as though they are invulnerable, no one can or will stop them and they can do as they damn well please, without any consequences.
I think that may well be the telling clue to this decline of character, integrity and compassion. We are raising our children to be fearless. We keep them safe from all things. Helmets and knee pads, ratings on every TV show, movie or CD, no dodge ball on the playground, no corporal punishment, all these and much, much more are making us and our children soft and lazy. We are constantly coddled, made to feel warm and fuzzy at all times. Like steel in a forge, we need to get a chance to become hardened, strengthened by real life. Without learning that "threat of pain" we fear nothing, respect nothing.
The key for each of us, I believe, is to visualize yourself in the "shoes" of those around you as often as possible. When you interact with others, think about how the other guy feels. How would you feel if it was your property being vandalized, your car being stolen or your home being raided? How would you like to be the one getting yelled at for holding up traffic or cut in front of while standing in line? Would you like to be called derogatory names or made fun of just for being who you are? I doubt it and neither do those around you.
It doesn't matter if it's a relative, friend, neighbor, co-worker or a complete stranger; ALL people deserve your respect, compassion and kindness. At least until they have proven otherwise. There is an old Wiccan belief that states "what you send out into the world will return to you three fold". Meaning that if you are kind, compassionate, caring and merciful toward others OR if you are disrespectful, mean, thoughtless or cruel toward others, you will receive the same in kind and in even greater amounts. In other words, you reap what you sow. I'm a strong believer in Karma.
We've all heard this one since we were tiny kids. "Treat others as you would wish to be treated". Seems simple enough, doesn't it? Yet it is as though every new generation, starting with the baby-boomers I suppose, seem to exhibit less and less respect for their fellow human beings as well as themselves. What does that say about our society?
We have more hate crimes, blatant home invasions, car-jackings, etc, than in the past. We've got dumb-ass kids that have the gall to video themselves as they vandalize buildings or shop-lift or commit drive-bys, nailing people on the streets with paintball guns, rocks or just water balloons. They act as though they are invulnerable, no one can or will stop them and they can do as they damn well please, without any consequences.
I think that may well be the telling clue to this decline of character, integrity and compassion. We are raising our children to be fearless. We keep them safe from all things. Helmets and knee pads, ratings on every TV show, movie or CD, no dodge ball on the playground, no corporal punishment, all these and much, much more are making us and our children soft and lazy. We are constantly coddled, made to feel warm and fuzzy at all times. Like steel in a forge, we need to get a chance to become hardened, strengthened by real life. Without learning that "threat of pain" we fear nothing, respect nothing.
The key for each of us, I believe, is to visualize yourself in the "shoes" of those around you as often as possible. When you interact with others, think about how the other guy feels. How would you feel if it was your property being vandalized, your car being stolen or your home being raided? How would you like to be the one getting yelled at for holding up traffic or cut in front of while standing in line? Would you like to be called derogatory names or made fun of just for being who you are? I doubt it and neither do those around you.
It doesn't matter if it's a relative, friend, neighbor, co-worker or a complete stranger; ALL people deserve your respect, compassion and kindness. At least until they have proven otherwise. There is an old Wiccan belief that states "what you send out into the world will return to you three fold". Meaning that if you are kind, compassionate, caring and merciful toward others OR if you are disrespectful, mean, thoughtless or cruel toward others, you will receive the same in kind and in even greater amounts. In other words, you reap what you sow. I'm a strong believer in Karma.
What goes around comes around.
What sort of cycle do you perpetuate?
What sort of cycle do you perpetuate?
posted by Kevin Ruesch | 10:59 PM
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