The Golden Rule in the Pursuit of Happiness
Among the inalienable rights of man, as asserted by the United States Constitution, is the pursuit of happiness. Through the ages, philosophers, prophets and movie producers alike have put forth countless ways to make the pursuit of happiness easier, faster and better. And then the Golden Rule comes in. Virtually every philosopher from Confucius to Christ have their take on it, either stated positively or negatively, but all of them pointing to one thing - Do unto others as you would have them do unto yourself. So, how is the Golden Rule related to the pursuit of happiness?
Happiness Must be Achieved with Others in Mind
Without a doubt, the pursuit of happiness is a very personal quest as happiness itself is a very personal emotion. As such, it can be a selfish activity. However, your pursuit of happiness must be undertaken with the happiness of other people in your mind. You do not live in a vacuum and you do not achieve true happiness by making others unhappy by your selfish actions. Besides, you would not want others to be happy at your suffering, would you?
Of course, this does not mean that you have to make others happy all the time because then you will never be happy. This simply means that in your pursuit of happiness, you have stepped on as little toes as possible as much as you would like that the pursuit of happiness of the people around you does not come at the expense of your toes, so to speak. Now, this truly harks back to the Golden Rule.
Happiness Must be Shared with Others
The fruits of the pursuit of happiness must be shared with others. You will discover to your delight that your joy instantly doubles itself when someone else is happy for you! For example, if you achieved your dream of winning the Olympic Gold, sharing the honor with your family and friends make them happy, too.
Besides, it is only right that you share since they, too, had a hand in your pursuit of happiness, thanks to their encouragement and support through your ups and downs. Plus, they can count on you to do the same for them.
When you have followed the Golden Rule in loving and living during your pursuit of happiness, you will truly enjoy the fruits of your labor. Life is, after all, about giving to others so that you, too, may be able to receive in full measure.
Don’t think either that it is about material wealth, this giving and receiving in full measure. Happiness, after all, is best measured with the things in life that you cannot see, only feel such as joy in the kiss of a baby.
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