I never understood the principle of treating others as you want to be treated.
The way I want to be treated is going to be vastly different than the way others may want to be treated.
A simple example being feedback. I love harsh/super critical feedback where the person holds no punches back and which I can learn from. Another person may be terrified of this experience and would not enjoy it at all.
As with most maxims, the rule is simple, but subtle, and a naive interpretation ("do exactly what you'd prefer for yourself to others") quickly founders on shoals. Generally a small bit of life experience, intelligence, and empathy rapidly floats one over these reefs, however.
Used as a broader heuristic, the principle divides somewhat into "don't be a dick" (don't actively cause harm to others), and seek to understand their needs and wants, within reason, and if you're able to assist in securing those, again, within reason, try to do so. Most especially where reciprocated.
The devil resides in the usual places, and sorting those out becomes an interesting Lebenswerk.
Comments
"Grand Unified Law".
Something like a Golden Rule?
(Something common to numerous major religious, jumping in before the critics....)
I never understood the principle of treating others as you want to be treated.
The way I want to be treated is going to be vastly different than the way others may want to be treated.
A simple example being feedback. I love harsh/super critical feedback where the person holds no punches back and which I can learn from. Another person may be terrified of this experience and would not enjoy it at all.
As with most maxims, the rule is simple, but subtle, and a naive interpretation ("do exactly what you'd prefer for yourself to others") quickly founders on shoals. Generally a small bit of life experience, intelligence, and empathy rapidly floats one over these reefs, however.
Used as a broader heuristic, the principle divides somewhat into "don't be a dick" (don't actively cause harm to others), and seek to understand their needs and wants, within reason, and if you're able to assist in securing those, again, within reason, try to do so. Most especially where reciprocated.
The devil resides in the usual places, and sorting those out becomes an interesting Lebenswerk.