Golden Rules & Platinum Rules

Thirteen of the world’s religions have similar wording for the ancient Golden Rule as a moral compass for followers. Compiled by interfaith consultant Paul McKenna, the following list is in alphabetical order (https://static1.squarespace.com/):

Bahá’í Faith:  Lay not on any soul a load that you would not wish to be laid upon you, and desire not for anyone the things you would not desire for yourself. Buddhism: Treat not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful.                                        Christianity: Do to others as you would have them do to you.                                                          Confucianism: One word which sums up the basis of all good conduct….loving-kindness. Do not do to others what you do not want done to yourself.                           Hinduism: This is the sum of duty: do not do to others what would cause pain if done to you.       Islam: Not one of you truly believes until you wish for others what you wish for yourself.                 Jainism: One should treat all creatures in the world as one would like to be treated.                      Judaism: What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor. This is the whole Torah; all the rest is commentary. Go and learn it. Native Spirituality: We are as much alive as we keep the earth alive. Sikhism: I am a stranger to no one; and no one is a stranger to me. Indeed, I am a friend to all.   Taoism: Regard your neighbor’s gain as your own gain and your neighbor’s loss as your own loss.                         Unitarianism: We affirm and promote respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.        Zoroastrianism: Do not do unto others whatever is injurious to yourself.

Each listed religion has an accompanying symbol. Many contain either circular or semi-circular images which suggest unity or “oneness.”   

The “Platinum Rule,” like the Golden Rule, is about communication and relationships. Made popular by a book, The Platinum Rule: Discover the Four Basic Business Personalities and How They Can Lead You to Success, authors Tony Alessandra and Michael J. O’Connor claim that the Platinum Rule is not at odds with the Golden Rule but is a “more sensitive” version: “Do unto others as they’d like done onto them.” The idea is to recognize that people are NOT wanting/needing exactly the same things.

The authors set up 4 personality “styles” under their definition of Platinum Rules; they believe “…everyone basically exhibits one of these styles – Directors, Socializers, Relaters, or Thinkers.” Furthermore, they explain that categorizing another’s needs-based-cues is not for the purpose of manipulating them but is a “…way to speak their language.”

Actually, people are not so easily defined. Most of us have personality parts dipping into each “style” (and many more) depending upon the situation. Aspects of Platinum-Rule-thinking that “work” are empathy for differences plus pausing before rushing into any conversation. Ask yourself, “Can I listen well?”

Pearls of Peace (PoP) Quiz

231. How do you adjust your personality when talking with certain people?

232. What rules do you follow in everyday relating?