A short podcast mini-chapter from Brian Johnson's A Philosopher's Notes surveying versions of the Golden Rule across multiple wisdom traditions (Baha'i, Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, Hinduism, Islam, Jainism, Judaism, a Nigerian proverb) and proposing a complementary 'Platinum Rule' (do not do unto yourself which you would not do unto others). The piece is instructional and invitational, highlighting moral commonality and offering a concise ethical maxim.
Chapters
You're listening to Optimize with Bryan Johnson. More wisdom in less time. This is a mini chapter from Brian's book A Philosopher's Notes. You can find it on Amazon. The final mini chapter in this section on love is a gold mine of golden rules. Ah, the golden rule. Shall we mine the virtually identical ethical gems from various wisdom traditions? We'll start with a thought from Baha'. I. They say, and if thine eyes be turned towards justice, choose thou for thy neighbor that which thou choosest for thyself. A lot of thous and thighs in there, huh? Next one is from Buddhism. Hurt not others with that which pains yourself. In Christianity we get teacher, which is the great commandment in the law. Jesus said to him, you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it, you shall love your neighbor as yourself. Confucius tells us, Hsu Kung asked, is there a single word which can be a guide to conduct throughout one's life? The master said it is perhaps the word shu. Do not impose on others what you yourself do not desire. In Hinduism we get, this is the sum of duty. Do not to others, which if done to thee would cause thee pain. In Islam we are told, no one of you is a believer until he desires for his brother that which he desires for himself. And in Jainism we learn a man should wander about treating all creatures as he himself would be treated. And from Judaism, a certain heathen came to Shammai and said to him, make me a proselyte on condition that you teach me the whole Torah while I stand on one foot. Thereupon he repulsed him with the rod which was in his hand. When he went to Hillel, he said to him, what is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor. That is the whole Torah. All the rest of it is commentary. Go and learn. A Nigerian proverb advises us, one who is going to take a pointed stick to pinch a baby bird should first try it on himself to see how it hurts. And P.S. let's not forget the Platinum Rule as per Tall Ben Shahar. Why the double standard? The generosity toward our neighbor and and the miserliness where we ourselves are concerned. And so I propose that we add a new rule which we can call the Platinum Rule to our moral code. Do not do unto yourself which you would not do unto others. End quote. Love that Golden Rules and the Platinum Rule. Hope you enjoyed. We hope you enjoyed this mini chapter from Brian's book A Philosopher's Notes. Want more wisdom in Less Time delivered in your inbox? Sign up for Brian's free daily newsletter, the Optimizer, and get the full ebook and audiobook at brianjohnson Me APN.
