The Golden Rule – A Lost Success Key?

For more than four thousand years men have been preaching the Golden Rule as a suitable rule of conduct among men, but unfortunately the world bas accepted the letter while totally missing the spirit of this Universal Injunction.  We have accepted the Golden Rule philosophy merely as a sound rule of ethical conduct but we have failed to understand the law upon which it is based.  -  Napoleon Hill, Lesson 15, "The Golden Rule," from "The Law of Success"

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Success Key: The Golden Rule

Growing up, I often heard the expression that we must all live according to the "Golden Rule," but not once did anyone explain to me - as far as I can remember - the Rule and how to practice it.  As I matured into a young man and beyond, occasionally I would read a reference to the "Golden Rule," or hear it mentioned, but again, although we all should live by it, rarely is it ever explained.

Somewhere along the line, I gained the impression that the Rule essentially encompassed the principle that we should treat others as we would want to be treated - right from the Ten Commandments.  I cannot tell you how, when or where I came to that understanding.

Now being a Student of Success, I have come to notice that the "Golden Rule" is closely associated with some of the writings of Napoleon Hill.  Indeed, "The Law of Success," Hill's immense, 15-lesson tome of his life's work, ends with the concluding Lesson (chapter) appropriately entitled "The Golden Rule."  Included within that Lesson is the following passage which concisely and succinctly explains the rule and why it is important.

Observing the Undercast from the Summit of Mt. Washington of the Presidential Range, White Mountains, New Hampshire. February 23, 2010.

I think this passage is critical to any serious mission to Succeed.  I come to that opinion because it seems that, among many important moral and ethical rules of humankind, many of us have forgotten the Golden Rule.  Sometimes, it is good to be reminded again that, regardless of circumstances and events, deep inside we would all like to be treated kindly and with respect; as such, we should treat others as we would want them to treat us.

Enjoy.

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 Mount Washington image with permission from the Mount Washington Observatory.  Thanks, Crew!

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The Golden Rule by Napoleon Hill

For more than four thousand years men have been preaching the Golden Rule as a suitable rule of conduct among men, but unfortunately the world bas accepted the letter while totally missing the spirit of this Universal Injunction.  We have accepted the Golden Rule philosophy merely as a sound rule of ethical conduct but we have failed to understand the law upon which it is based.

I have heard the Golden Rule quoted scores of times, but I do not recall having ever heard an explanation of the law upon which it is based, and not until recent years did I understand that law, from which I am led to believe that those who quoted it did not understand it.

The Golden Rule means, substantially, to do unto others as you would wish them to do unto you if your positions were reversed.

But why?  What is the real reason for this kindly consideration of others?

The real reason is this:

There is an eternal law through the operation of which we reap that which we sow.  When you select the rule of conduct by which you guide yourself in your transactions with others, you will be fair and just, very likely, if you know that you are setting into motion, by that selection, a power that will run its course for weal or woe in the lives of others, returning, finally, to help or to hinder you, according to its nature.

“Whatsoever a man soweth that shall be also reap!”

It is your privilege to deal unjustly with others, but, if you understand the law upon which the Golden Rule is based, you must know that your unjust dealings will “come home to roost.”

If you fully understood the principles described in Lesson Ten, on accurate thought, it will be quite easy for you to understand the law upon which the Golden Rule is based.  You cannot pervert or change the course of this law, but you can adapt yourself to its nature and thereby use it as an irresistible power that will carry you to heights of achievement which could not be attained without its aid.

This law does not stop by merely flinging back upon you your acts of injustice and unkindness toward others; it goes further than this – much further – and returns to you the results of every thought that you release.

Therefore, not alone is it advisable to “do unto others as you wish them to do unto you,” but to avail yourself fully of the benefits of this great Universal Law you must “think of others as you wish them to think of you.”

The law upon which the Golden Rule is based begins affecting you, either for good or evil, the moment you release a thought.  It has amounted almost to a world-wide tragedy that people have not generally understood this law.  Despite the simplicity of the law it is practically all there is to be learned that is of enduring value to man, for it is the medium through which we become the masters of our own destiny.