World Affairs Institute

The Golden Rule

Author(s): Ruth Hunter
Source: World Affairs, Vol. 126, No. 2 (Summer, 1963), p. 115
Published by: World Affairs Institute
Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/20670312
Accessed: 29-12-2015 10:36 UTC

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 The Qolden Rule
By Ruth Hunter

In an excellent editorial recently there was one sentence

which greatly impressed me. "The only rule that works hoth
ways is the Golden Rule/9
The Golden Rule is the one rule that if sincerely followed
could bring peace to all the world. Nation would no longer war
against nation, nor people against people, class against class,
race against race, creed against creed.

The Golden Rule is the solution to all of the problems that

beset our world today?and it begins with the individual. It
does not require wealth to apply it. It needs but a sincere belief
in justice and fair play and an honest desire to put into practice
the second great commandment: "Thou shalt love thy neighbor
as thyself."

The Golden Rule is a personal rule of life. It does not demand

great sacrifices. It does not demand great deeds of courage. It
demands only that each man do unto his neighbor as he would be
done by.

Under the Golden Rule, there are no master raees or groups.

The rich cannot say "My interests are vested in me." The poor
cannot cry "My needs should come first." The employer cannot
put his profits first, nor the worker his wages. Nor can any
group, by virtue of class or color or creed, claim special privilege.
Under the Golden Rule there is no discrimination. Under it
all men have not only rights but responsibilities. Rights are but
the rewards of duties well done?and the full duty ofmen, which
is the distinguishing mark that has lifted him above the beasts
of the field, is that he assumes responsibility for the rights of
his neighbor.
The Golden Rule is the law of brotherhood. It is the law of
kindness and of friendliness. It is the law which can be followed
by the humblest as well as by those in highest authority. The
Golden Rule is the law of love?of that love which is the fulfill
ing of the law.
"Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should
do to you, do ye even so to them! for this is the law and the
prophets."

115

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