This might be a fun poll, but it will take a little explaining. It's based on a chapter in Carl Sagan's last book, Billions and Billion, about Morality (the chapter is also called "The Rules of the Game").
Let me give some descriptions here...
The Golden Rule is well known throughout the world, and is the most admired standard of behavior at least in the west. It is basically Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Almost no-one follows it.
The Silver Rule is different: Do not do unto others what you would not have them do unto you. The two most famous practitioners of the Silver rule in the 20th century were Mohandas Ghandi and Martain Luther King, Jr. They councilled oppressed people not to repay violence with violence, but not to be compliant and obedient either. Bacically nonviolent civil disobediance.
The Brass Rule (Also called "the Brazen rule") is different still: Do unto others as they do unto you. Basically "an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth," or "one good turn deserves another."
The Iron Rule is of baser coinage (and nature). It is stated as Do unto others as you like, before they do unto you. This is sometimes quoted as "He who has the gold makes the rules." Underscoring not only it's departure from, but it's contempt for, the Golden Rule. This is the secret Morality of a great many people, if they can get away with it.
The Tin Rule is very flexible: Suck up to those above you, and abuse those below. This is the motto of bullies, and many small time criminals. It's really the Golden Rule for superiors, and the Iron Rule for Inferiors.
Lets see what alloy people fall into.
EDIT: Fixed "one goot turn deserves another" because I lost IQ points just looking at it...




Reply With Quote









Bookmarks