The Golden Rule is one of the most familiar Christian teachings. Supposedly thereâ??s a version of it in every major world religion. â??Do unto others as you would have them do unto youâ? (Matthew 7:12). In a society that prides itself on self-sufficiency, the Golden Rule has a pretty banal meaning: live and let live. But Pope Francisâ?? retelling of the Golden Rule in his speech before Congress completely revolutionizes it in a way that destroys the sacred American pillar of individualism. For Francis, the Golden Rule means you are responsible for the well-being of everyone else.
If you take the words of the Golden Rule at face value in the context of American culture, it means basically donâ??t be a jerk when youâ??re interacting with other people. Donâ??t talk on your cell-phone loudly in the grocery line. Say please and thank you. Donâ??t man-spread when youâ??re riding on the subway. Mow your grass at least in the front where it impacts your neighborsâ?? property value. Donâ??t foul people dirty when youâ??re playing pickup basketball. Hold the door open for people when theyâ??re carrying something heavy. Wait until the other person is done speaking before you start. Etc. Just donâ??t do anything you would think was rude if it happened to you.
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