Playing by the Rules

Growing up, I always tried to play by the rules. I would try to figure out what the right way of doing things was and then I’d do my best to do things that way. As I got older, I began to realize that not everyone played by the same set of rules. In fact, some people just plain ignored the rules altogether. The older I’ve gotten, the more frustrated I’ve become, because way too often, the rule breakers seem to be rewarded more often than do the rule followers. So I have to ask, is this a reality or just my perception of reality?

I’ve held the belief that justice was blind, and that our system would function with equity and fairness as long as we all operated from a common foundation of values, principles, and rules. Today, I’m not so sure about this. It seems like things may be tilted towards some folks and away from others. Why do some people receive a favorable nod, while others, who’ve done better work, get ignored. If we are supposed to have systems that reward competence and dedication, why do the incompetent and lackadaisical sometimes rise above? If the system is not fair, what are we all to do? I think I have an answer. To make it work, people need to accept a new concept which is actually based on a very old concept.

You’ve all heard of the golden rule, to treat others as you’d like to be treated. But what if someone doesn’t like what you like and wants something entirely different for their life? Some may have heard of the platinum rule, to treat others the way they want to be treated. But what if that person want something that really is harmful to them? Enter the Diamond Rule; treat others with kindness and mercy. If, in all of our dealings with others, we treat each and every person with kindness and mercy, what would the outcome be? Would it be possible to be unfair? Would it be possible to favor a less worthy person over the one who has proven to be more worthy? Would it be possible to discriminate based on unfounded biases and prejudices? Can we lie about someone and still treat them with kindness and mercy? Is kindness and mercy compatible with doing business? I’ve asked a lot of questions. I’d sure like to see the Diamond Rule applied so we can see what the real answers are. Now that’s a rule book I would love to see applied!