#341 / The Golden Rule - Updated

http://noseoffense.com/blog/

I am quite familiar with what I think of as the "traditional" version of the Golden Rule: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

Immanuel Kant called this principle of human relationships the "categorical imperative." According to Wikipedia, the categorical imperative is the "central philosophical concept" in Kant's moral philosophy. 

Going back further, Jesus is quoted to the same effect. The principle is articulated in the second part of the  "Great Commandment," found in Matthew 22:37-40: 

Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

I was somewhat taken aback to find out, recently, that the Golden Rule has been updated by Silicon Valley corporate entrepreneurs, and that the newest formulation is that you are supposed to "Eat your own dog food."

While the rule, however formulated, does remain a central precept of right conduct, I prefer the traditional version!