From the Deputy Head of Junior School – Wellbeing – The Golden Rule

Ever heard of the ‘Golden Rule’ before? Do you teach it to your children?

‘Treat others how you want to be treated.’

This ‘Golden Rule’ is one of the oldest and most universally agreed upon moral principles in human history according to Kabashinski & Schwartz (Greater Good Magazine, June 2023).

This principle forms the basis of how we view and treat others. It is the basis of the work of the United Nations, charities, the building of personal and collective character and underpins our School Values of Compassion and Respect.

Interestingly, whilst this Golden Rule might be unique to Christianity, many cultures/religions teach that same principle, just using different wording. According to Kabashinski & Schwartz:

While the wisdom captured in the Golden Rule has long been hailed as a universal principle found in all religions, there is no evidence that the term itself is widely used across all cultures. In African cultures, the idea of respect and reciprocity is enshrined in the term ubuntu. At the core of the Confucian ethic is the term zhongshu (to refrain from actions that may upset or hurt others). And while Al-Ghazali, one of the most influential Muslim scholars, wrote tirelessly about the Golden Rule, there are several other phrases and expressions in Islam that express the importance of justice, compassion, altruism, and being a good neighbour. It’s possible that while the ideal of the Golden Rule may still be important, different cultural and ethnic groups in our nation are using other terms.

When I talk to the girls about embodying our four School Values we often talk about treating others as they want to be treated. It is an important principle to have in our friendships, our classrooms, our families and in other groups we belong to. The Golden Rule elevates the ideals of selflessness and care essential to a future grounded in the pursuit of respect, justice, peace, and compassion.

Maybe the ‘Golden Rule’ can be a topic of discussion at your dinner table this weekend.

– Joanne Sharpe
Deputy Head of Junior School – Wellbeing