To: K-list
Recieved: 2002/10/26 08:04
Subject: [K-list] Re: The Golden Rule and Empathy
From: mundaneyogi
On 2002/10/26 08:04, mundaneyogi posted thus to the K-list:
Dear Sabrina,
Let me prefix my comments by first saying what a pleasure it has
been to read your recent posts. Although they are fairly brief,
they are packed with insight and relevance to subjects that have
been going through my mind lately. Thanks.
--- In Kundalini-GatewayATnospamy..., "Sabrina" wrote:
> I was just thinking about the Golden Rule and its potential
> consequences. 'Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.'
> Isn't following this rule projecting unto other people? I would
> like people to treat me with courtesy, but does everyone else want
> to be treated with courtesy?I would venture that most do. It's just, well… common
courtesy :). I think the golden rule is one of those "rules of
thumb". It's not absolute, because as you point out below,
everyone doesn't want to be treated in the same manner. The
golden rule is a general guideline.
> I think not, because some people like to play victim.But isn't that a symptom of some underlying mental issues?
> I treat people with courtesy because it satisfies my need. I
> would like it if people were to treat me with respect in return,
> but have stopped expecting them to. However, I know some people
> will be courteous to others solely because they are expecting
> courtesy in return. Isn't this projecting your need at another and
> expecting them to fill it?I think this is overly complicating the issue. I try to be
courteous out of basic respect for the other person, and I would
hope that is what motivates most people. Someone who acts
courteously, solely for the purpose of eliciting courtesy in return,
is again someone with issues.
> And when I'm acting like a jackass, I don't want someone to tell
> me in such a sugar-coated manner that I'm actually confused as to
> what they're saying.I generally prefer a direct approach as well. Too much sugar-
coating and too many IMHOs (of course it's you opinion; who
else's would it be?) tends to obscure the message. It's
perfectly acceptable to highlight someone's inappropriate
behavior, for example, to say, "you're acting like a
jackass". But it crosses the line when you make it personal or
resort to ad hominem attacks, such as, "you are a jackass".
Personally, I like a good debate. If the individuals on either side
of the issue are knowledgeable and well spoken, a greater truth
often emerges, if not, at least they are edified to some degree as
to the rational behind the other's view. Yet many people cherish
and identify with their opinions, and take any challenge to these
opinions as if it were a direct attack. Just witness some of the
recent threads.
> …
> I think we should do unto others what they need to have done unto
> them, provided it is not at peril to ourselves.Yet how do you know what they need?
> I think I like the witch's rule best, 'Do as thou wilt, and the
> whole of the law is Love.'I believe part of the Hippocratic oath that doctors take says
something to the effect of, "above all, do no harm".
Sometimes, this is the best you can do. Don't act in a manner
that intentionally brings harm to another, nor act in a reckless
manner that is likely to bring harm.Peace and Love,
Ken
http://www.kundalini-gateway.org
http://www.domin8rex.com/serpent/spirit/kindex.htm
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