Golden rules for a good life
WHILE advances in science and technology may substantially change the way we live our daily life, the need for human relationships and interactions basically remains the same. The profound “golden rules” of yesteryear are as relevant and effective today as they were before. Let us revisit some of these rules.
The first is the “rule of reciprocity” which says “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”. This should be adopted by every society. You would not want a neighbour to park his car in front of your gate, so do not park yours in front of his gate. You would want someone to help you when you have a flat tyre on the road, so help someone in need. You would not want to be hit by a reckless driver, so do not drive recklessly. You would not want to breathe in second-hand smoke, so do not pollute someone else’s air. The list goes on.
Despite real-life experiences that would make us think this is more ideal than practical, we should hold fast to and act on this golden rule consistently. When our efforts bear fruit, we will experience the true meaning of reciprocity.
The second is “rule of use” which ingeniously states that “If you use what is given to you, you will gain more. If you fail to use what is given to you, you will lose what you think you have.” We like to believe that everyone has some inborn talent. And it is true. Therefore, it is our responsibility to develop and use this talent to benefit ourselves as well as the society we are in. If you have a talent for organising events or getting things moving, volunteer yourself to organise projects, events and activities for your community. Realise also that the more involved you are, the better you are able to develop further and enhance the talent that you have. On the flip side, if you choose to do things in a sluggish, less than responsible way in spite of your talent, you would not improve on what you have and may lose it altogether.
Another example comes to mind. In any organisation, including government departments, annual allo- cations are given out based on the previous year’s performance. If efficiency and effectiveness of usage is proven, more may be allocated. On the other hand, a slack performance may lead to reduced allocations and even a suspension.
So, whether it is physical, intellectual, financial or relationship dealings, whatever is given to you, use it diligently and set goals to increase whatever you do.
Thirdly, the “rule of servanthood” stresses that “The greatest is the servant of all”. We need to develop an attitude and passion of wanting and willingness to serve others. Treat leadership or an authoritative position given to you as an opportunity to serve others. Serve selflessly and create happiness in others. Samuel Johnson, the 18th century British writer, poet and lexicographer, said, “Happiness is not found in self-contemplation. It is perceived only when it is reflected from another.”
Those who do serve may often become famous and prosperous even though this was not their motive. In this context, we remember Mother Teresa, Bill and Melinda Gates and Tan Sri Robert Kuok, among others. Recognition seems to be the inevitable fruit of selfless service to mankind.
Fourthly, the rule of “believing in a higher being” points us to an almighty God. Wisdom since ancient times has led men to acknowledge that there are limits to their own human abilities. After they have done their best, the rest is in God’s hand. There are situations or circumstances which are not of their own making. In times like this, men draw their confidence, trust and hope from a higher being. Those with faith are able to endure, sustain and last longer in times of difficulty and hardship. Those who are faint-hearted and faltering, whose minds are not made up about something, will lose. Those with faith who keep on going despite problems, pain and difficulty will eventually succeed.