Recently, I asked a group of high school students if anyone had ever heard of the “Golden Rule.” I got a few hands, but mostly a bunch of blank and puzzled looks. A few thought it might be money-related, as in, “him that has the gold, makes the rules.” Not even close.
To say the least, I find this young mindset (or lack, thereof) disturbing. What I’m suggesting is a very basic way to correct a few societal ills -- that is, through the return to the basic rules of etiquette. The other problem is, its not just youth. Sadly, it is also adults, who I thought, would know better.
In case you hadn’t heard, the Golden Rule has been altered. For the record, it isn’t, “Treat people the way they treat you,” or “Get them before they get you.” It simply says, “Treat others the way you would like to be treated.” It has been said for centuries, in many different ways by many people. Even Jesus weighed in on this topic.
Why the call back to basics? Take a look around, please. Go to any public place and just people watch for 10 minutes. You will be amazed by what you will see. Just to be fair, you will also see wonderful acts of kindness and good manners – about 50%. That is a good sign.
But who cares, you might ask? The answer: more people than you think. People in authority positions who can make major decisions about your life – teachers, bosses, parents, friends, family, and should you find yourself in a legal situation authority figures, like judges and policemen, even the opposite sex will make a decision about you. And besides, don’t forget the rule of Karma – what you put out in the universe will eventually find its way back to you. What goes around, comes around. So what’s making its way back to you?
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