What do we get wrong about the Golden Rule? - Headspace (2024)

FAQs

What are the problems with the Golden Rule? ›

One, it fails to explain how to deal with non-reciprocation. Two, it fails to make clear that my obligations are obligations regardless of how I would wish to be treated by others. Three, it lacks any special value in explaining the right occasions for benevolence. And, four, it has no power to motivate benevolence.

The “Golden Rule” is simple, yet shortsighted. By putting this rule up on such a pedestal, the Western world may have inadvertently set itself back over two millennia. The golden rule is fatally flawed because it requires no empathy whatsoever. Sociopaths and psychopaths can easily follow it.

This makes them feel better, and us too. Most of us have heard the old adage: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” This wisdom is so ingrained in our life lessons, it has become known as “the golden rule.”

Where the Golden Rule fails is that it does not take into account the differences between people. It assumes that all people want to be treated the same way. In some cases this true (i.e. people want to be treated with kindness and respect), but here are a few examples when this is not true.

It's well-intentioned enough, at least if we assume you'd like to be treated well, whatever your definition of “well” is. However, the Golden Rule – and individuals and organizations that operate under its assumptions – can sometimes exacerbate communication gaps that exist between Millennials and their managers.

There is a universal law found in many cultures at many different times: Treat others as you wish to be treated. It's sometimes called the Golden Rule because it's the key to living well for individuals and societies. One of the world's great moral teachers, Immanuel Kant, called this law the Categorical Imperative.

a “bad headspace” is simply state of mind where you've let your thoughts tumble into a rabbit hole of “I cannot do this”, “this is now worth it”, “why am I even trying” and “I should just give up”… basically a tornado of negative, doubtful thoughts.

The “Golden Rule”—“Love your neighbor as yourself”—is doubtless the most widely known and affirmed ethical principle worldwide. At the same time, it has its serious, quasi-serious, and jocund critics.

A 2022 review looked at 14 different randomized controlled trials and found that using Headspace improved depression in 75% of studies and at least 40% of studies showed improvement in mindfulness, well-being, stress and anxiety.

According to Kant, what is the main problem with the golden rule? It makes morality depend solely on the consequences of one's actions.

Why is the Golden Rule limited law? ›

The golden rule is restricted in its use as it can be used only when the literal rule leads to ambiguities in interpretation. Its use thus becomes limited and rare. It is unpredictable and lacks guidelines. One of the main disadvantages of the rule is that judges can twist the meaning of the words and change the law.

The ancient Greek rhetorician, Isocrates, not to be confused with classical Greek philosopher, Socrates, taught his students the following: "Do not do to others that which angers you when they do it to you." Confucius, the influential Chinese philosopher, is credited with having said, "What you do not want done to ...

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The Golden Rule is the principle of treating others as one would want to be treated by them. It is sometimes called an ethics of reciprocity, meaning that you should reciprocate to others how you would like them to treat you (not necessarily how they actually treat you).

To do this, we need people who'll help us do things 'the headspace way', living our values of Inclusion, Collaboration, Agility and Excellence.

For example, if Mike is going to Anna's birthday party, he should not get Anna the truck he wants for his birthday. He should get Anna the doll on herWishlist. The Golden Rule is to treat others the way that you would like to be treated without the expectation of receiving the same kindness back from them.