01 Jan 2006 The Golden Sentiment, by B.B. Robinson, Ph.D.
We have learned from the outset that self-preservation is the first law of nature.
We know that “for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.”
We know the “Golden Rule”: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
How can we combine these three essential principles to produce a “Golden Sentiment” that can govern our existence and produce desirable outcomes?
A little thought might yield the following result: Every idea, thought or deed should extend human survival on earth and make that survival more abundant. At the core, we are in a struggle to survive. If not the survival of our ideas, words or deeds, at a minimum we wish to pass our genetic fingerprint into the future.
We know not for what ultimate purpose, but we all have the sense that it’s important for humans to go forward until the day when the great solution, the great purpose or the great end is achieved.
At that time, our life efforts will be validated and fulfilled because we would have contributed to human survival and to the attainment of the great end, which becomes the new beginning. Consequently, a new Golden Sentiment is worthy of consideration. Whether we concern ourselves with the preeminent economic, social, or moral issues of the day, the question to ask is, “How do ideas, words or actions contribute to humans’ ultimate survival?”
The Golden Sentiment is the benchmark against which to judge.
Having a Golden Sentiment does not translate into an easy answer to important issues of the day, but at least we have a yardstick with which to evaluate them, and most can agree. If your position on key issues is uncertain, try applying the Golden Sentiment. Does it resolve your uncertainty on such issues as Social Security and healthcare reform, racism, same sex marriages, poverty, environmental protection, terrorism, the Iraq War and filibusters to prevent the seating of judges on the nation’s courts?
Think about the Golden Sentiment. Implement it in your life.
I believe that, by using it, you will find that your decisions take on more clarity and that your actions take on more validity and greater justification. It could help ensure humankind’s survival on the planet – if it’s not already too late to begin using it.
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B.B. Robinson, Ph.D. is a member of the National Advisory Council of the African-American leadership network Project 21 and an economist. Comments may be sent to [email protected].
Published by The National Center for Public Policy Research. Reprints permitted provided source is credited. New Visions Commentaries reflect the views of their author, and not necessarily those of Project 21 or the National Center for Public Policy Research.