Copyright Paul McKenna
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The Golden Rule ~
A Complete Course in Ethics and Values Notes for Parents, Educators and Teachers The Golden Rule, also known as the Ethic of Reciprocity, is arguably the most consistent, prevalent, and universal ethical principle in history. It is found worldwide throughout cultures, religions, secular philosophies, and indigenous traditions. Many people regard it as the most concise and general principle of ethics. Gold itself has symbolic value and a psychological appeal that spans cultures throughout history. As a metaphor; it points to what is most pure, noble, enduring, and ideal in human experience. Gold was long considered the most valuable of metals throughout the world. It is therefore no surprise that the Golden Rule contains a "gold" metaphor, since as a principle; it is prized in almost all societies. |
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As the world becomes more of a single interacting global community, the need for such a common standard is becoming more urgent. The Golden Rule can be the ethical cornerstone as the human family works together to build a peaceful, just and sustainable global society. Because the Golden Rule is a point of agreement and a common denominator among so many of the world’s cultures, races, and religions, it has tremendous capacity for promoting social justice, nonviolence, unity, the teaching of compassion and ethics, multicultural and multifaith cooperation and more. Today we are living in a global village. Accordingly, we are all global citizens in addition to belonging to our particular groups, races, cultures, religions and nations. Being a global citizen brings both privileges and responsibilities. The Golden Rule may be the best guide we have for bringing all the world’s people to live together in peace. |