By Atty. Farah Decano

 

THERE are life lessons which are heard only at the moment they are taught.  They appear to be relevant only in very specific situations.  Some are fleeting, and thus, easily forgotten.

If there is any instruction that endures in every stage of our lives because of its frequent and relevant applicability, it is the observance of the golden rule.  Like its precious metal counterpart, this rule has its levels of complexity and purity.

“Do not do unto others what you do not want others to do unto you.”  This seems to be the most famous among the three variants of the golden rule and who has not heard of it?  Being the easiest to comprehend, this fundamental guide is phrased in the negative imperative.   No wonder, it is taught in the early years.  Don’t we often hear parents tell their kids, “Do not get that toy.  That is not yours.”?

“Do not do…” is also the least demanding of the three classifications because it simply requires each individual to refrain from harming others.  No good or affirmative action is required.  All the person has to do is to keep still, and lo, he has complied with the rule!

“…what you do not want others to do unto you.” – the standard set by this most fundamental type of the rule.  It considers what is harmful or injurious to the self.  The individual need not look beyond himself or herself to identify or fathom what is hurtful to the self.

“Do unto others what you want others to do unto you.”  This is the second variant of golden rule.  Unlike the first, this fundamental teaching directs us to take positive action.  This is a higher classification of the principle because it does not allow individuals to do nothing.  It demands that they go beyond themselves.  The correctness of the external deed, however, is measured against the self as the benchmark.  Again, the self.

“Do unto others what others want to be done unto them.”  This is the most difficult order of the three because it does not only demand that we take affirmative action but it also makes use of others as the measure of propriety and reasonability for our conduct.  This necessitates that we know and understand others – our family members, our neighbors and our community.  It requires that we develop empathy towards others which takes a lot of maturity, self- discipline and wisdom.

If we were to rank the classifications of the golden rule like its auriferous ingot, we would have given a 14K to the first, 18K to the second and 24k to the third.

Interestingly, the most fundamental of the rule appears to be very difficult in its collective application to our country.  Let us try this slogan:  “Do not vote for thieves as you would not want them to run your household.”

This is an application of the first variant.  There is nothing difficult to understand with this precept.  Unless we are motivated by other considerations, this is supposed to be a no-brainer.

It is supposed to be elementary, my dear Watson, er, my dearest Juan.

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