Age doesn't really bring wisdom. It simply allows us to see how simple things really are.

[Atticus]

Whether you acknowledge a Supreme Being or not, you must surely concede that "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you", if practiced, would save a lot of pain and heartache.

And, if religion is just not your thing, how about "All you need is love"? The lads were harmonizing on a universal truth it seems to me.

"All I really need to know I learned in kindergarten."

"A person who is pleasant to you and rude to the waiter is not a nice person."

"Every person you meet is in some way your superior."

"To thine own self be true."

Just some thoughts that, to me, seem worth considering as we try to wade through what has become a daily trial of our patience and our principles. Hope that didn't come off as a sanctimonious cliché fest.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. I absolutely agree, my dear Atticus!

All of these are true and good ways to live and treat others.

But being human means that sometimes we slip and say hurtful things, or maybe it's not even a slip. Maybe it's deliberate. But we should certainly try.

You don't sound sanctimonious at all...simply wise.

[BigmanPigman]

2. As an Atheist for 90% of my life and as a former teacher

I taught "the golden rule" to my first graders and it works. Six year old kids are strong believers in "fairness". It took me 40 years to learn that life is NOT fair bit it should be. I HATE that it isn't and have been kicking and screaming about if forever. When I had to change careers in order to eat I became a teacher and in MY classroom we had rules that were fair. I taught my kids that, "Life isn't fair, but in this classroom it is!". They knew it, and their friends and siblings knew it and kids I never had in my class would come to me due to my "fair" reputation. The golden rule is understood by all kids since it makes sense and is fair. I wish adults acted like kids sometimes.
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[Amaryllis]

3. Not sanctimonious at all. You are referring to universal pirnciples that allow us to

recognize each other's humanity.

[ProudLib72]

4. The problem with these being cliches is that people tend to dismiss them as unworthy of note

That's a serious mistake.

BTW: The original phrasing of the Golden Rule is in the negative: "Do not do unto others what you would find offensive". It's worth considering the implications of that change in wording.

[Stonepounder]

5. I think I actually learned most of my 'truths' even before kindergarten :)

If you respect others, they will probably respect you.
A smile and a 'thank you' doesn't cost you anything.
Try and give everyone the benefit of the doubt, but don't be stupid about it.

[VOX]

6. Age can also produce cognitive decline and magnify a personality disorder...

As we’ve seen with our “wonderful” president. And Ronald Reagan. And Charlton Heston. And Jon Voight. And Ben Carson. And Dennis Miller. And...

[pangaia]

7. I read somewhere that a more accurate translation is...

Don't do unto others that which you would not have them do unto you",

Really a totally different meaning, isn't it. ☺

[dweller]

9. and I believe the more literal translation would be

Do unto others as you would do unto yourself ...

brings it back home 🙏🏻

[pangaia]

10. good one...

[mountain grammy]

8. To thine own self be true.

heard that in a play I saw tonight. Thank you Mr. Shakespeare

[smirkymonkey]

11. +1000