Clean Language Again--Interesting Site

[Carol]

bdclark wrote:
> So when I speak of the Golden Rule, I am only taking the context of 
> what is written in Leviticus 19.   Which, by the way is originally 
> written in Hebrew.  Instead of trying to translate word for what has 
> been written, I choose to use the reference of `The Golden Rule' 
> since most people understand what this really means.  This `rule' is 
> present in all cultures and all languages, so I'm not considering 
> the beauty of the individual here but of the world the same as you.  
> I fear you have now put words into my mouth.  I'm actually referring 
> to the concepts that are apparent in not only Leviticus 19, but in 
> the many texts of so many religions:   Mahabharata, 5:1517, Samyutta 
> NIkaya v. 353, Matthew 7:12, Luke 6:31, Doctrine of the Mean 13.3, 
> Mencius VII.A.4, Number 13 of Imam, Acarangasutra 5.101-2, Lord 
> Mahavira, 24th Tirthankara, Sutrakritanga 1.11.33, Talmud, Shabbat 
> 31a, Tobit 4:15, Ko-ji-ki Hachiman Kasuga, Guru Arjan Dev : AG 1299, 
> Tao Teh Ching, Chapter 49, Dadistan-i-dinik 94:5, Shayast-na-Shayast 
> 13:29.
> 
> Basically, I think we're arguing the same point, it's just that it 
> seems we're dicing golden delicious apples that are going to be put 
> together with granny smith apples in a pie that just ends up being 
> delicious.

Carol responds:
Essentially, I agree with you. I'd like to add that it's much easier
to base your conduct on the way you wish to be treated than it is to
know or assume or guess how the other person wishes to be treated. For
example, if I wish to be treated with respect, I treat others with
respect. If I don't wish to be hit or shouted at or sworn at, then I
don't hit or shout or swear at others. (Okay, I occasionally fail with
those last two, but, nevertheless, they serve as an excellent guideline.)

Most people want others to be kind and courteous and respectful to
them, and they can safely assume that the other person, regardless of
who the other person is, want the same thing. And it doesn't matter
whether that person is your own child or the President of the United
States. Nor do age, sex, physical condition, race, or sexual
preference have any bearing on the matter.

Civility, courtesy, concern for the needs of others. That's what the
golden Rule means. And there's nothing wrong with using the person we
know best, our individual self, as a guide to determine what others
want. And if we're not sure, we can always ask.

Carol, who thinks that as a general guideline and a reminder to use
not-so-common courtesy, the Golden Rule is both memorable and
practical, not to mention that it's a time-honored tradition
frequently encountered in literature