We all know the Golden Rule "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." It's a lovely rule, a marvelous thought, and certainly an ideal to shoot for.
But doesn't it seem rather self-serving when you look at it? "I'm going to do something nice or at least not mean FOR YOU—so you will do something nice or at least avoid doing something unkind FOR ME." Very transactional, wouldn't you agree? Quid pro quo. This for that. Gimme, gimme, gimme. If that's the gold standard we set for ourselves, oughtn't we aim for something better, higher, more for the benefit of others, less for the benefit of ourselves?
Maybe we need a Platinum Rule. "Just do unto others. Regardless of your action's effect on yourself." I can see the bumper stickers, t-shirts, and stitched samplers now.
Giving feels good. Do you give birthday presents or holiday gifts because you're keeping a mental scorecard and want the same or better in return? Probably a little, we are human after all. But isn't that because we know the joy in receiving? If you brighten someone else's day, that's gift enough.
Time is fleeting and finite. Invest it in others. Give of yourself. Help out, pitch in, take part. Do it purely for the sake of others and not because you want something reciprocal or might sometime down the road.
Gimme a thumbs up if you agree? Perfect.
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