"If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams,
and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will
meet with a success unexpected in common hours."
HENRY DAVID THOREAU
Members of the National Association of REALTORS® are required to take the Code of Ethics training every three years. Currently, this extends the current cycle deadline from March 1, 2022, to December 31, 2024. Although training wasn't required for another year, I took it on March 7, 2024, because ethics is that important.
There is a section in the NAR Ethics Manual which references "Aspirational Concepts of the Preamble to the Code," followed by fourteen bullet points under section 1. The second bullet point is easy to remember: "The Golden Rule." Although the Instructor did not ask the class what those words mean, outside of class, I dwelled on those three words, so easy to remember, but more deeply because I wanted to know, what exactly does it mean? For the past 48 hours I pondered the meaning, reflecting on previous business courses I have taken since High School (a private business school), colleges, universities, and as a licensed REALTOR®.
Taking serious consideration for meaning of the words, "The Golden Rule," can mean the same or something different to other people. Yet, the simple concept unites people of all faiths of the world, regardless of denomination or beliefs.
For example, Aristotle, 384-322 BC's ethical works about moral behavior, closely aligned with traditional Greek values from his lifetime. Researching further:
- "Do unto others what you would want others to do to you." (various sources)
- One word which sums up the basis of all good conduct...loving-kindness. Do not do to others what you do not want done to yourself." (Confucious)
- "Treat not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful." (Buddha)
- "In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets." (Jesus, Matthew 7:12)
- "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor. This is the whole Torah; all the rest is commentary." (Hillel, Talmud, Shabbat 31a)
- Not one of you truly believes until you wish for others what you wish for yourself." (Muhammad, al-Nawawi Hadith 1.3)
Is the world more critical, judgmental, opinionated, or more hateful today? The Golden Rule is so much more than three simple words. Studying Ethics should not be taken lightly just to keep your license in real estate or retired from any business. Practicing "The Golden Rule," is the right thing to do. When it comes to treating people fairly, it falls under the umbrella of The Golden Rule. Being critical, judgmental, opinionated, or hateful does not follow "The Golden Rule." How we affect other people's lives is more powerful than people think.
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