Love Everyone. Hurt Nobody

Everyone knows the Golden Rule. That’s because it is universal. You might call it something else, or your wording of it may be different than someone else’s, but the idea is the same everywhere.

In case you don’t know what it is, the most common version is this:

                “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

Or, perhaps, you’ve heard it the Christian way:

                “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

The corollary is to not do to others what would harm you. Buddhists say it this way:

                “Whatever is disagreeable to yourself, do not do unto others.”

And there are many other versions. Basically, the idea we all understand is this:

                “Love everyone. Hurt nobody.”  In other words, basic kindness.

Since this “rule” is universal, and virtually everybody knows it, why is it that it is very often not adhered to? It shouldn’t be that difficult. But in today’s society, apparently it is.

On an individual basis we can hurt others, even when we don’t want to. when we are not mindful of our behavior. Usually, we then apologize and are often forgiven. But many people today, especially those in opposing ideological groups, seem to choose to hate and hurt those who disagree with them.

We will make no progress as a society this way, no matter how well-intentioned people with any ideology believe they are. We must instead choose to respect those with whom we disagree if we want to live in a world of peace and harmony, and not one of constant conflict and danger.

Respect begins with listening to each other. Listen to your opponents to better understand their point of view, even if you vehemently disagree with it.

As Desmond Tutu, the South African Anglican Bishop and human rights activist, said:

                  “If you want peace, you don’t talk to your friends. You talk to your enemies.”

This is the only path to a better world, for everyone.