What's Better than Gold? Golden

 I haven’t been blogging much lately.

Hopefully, someone out there on this big blue marble noticed.

Perhaps that’s just wishful thinking?

Hmpf.

The reason for the happenstance hiatus is so common and mundane that I’m rather embarrassed for and by myself in admitting its root cause: I just haven’t been feeling it lately. 

“It” being the desire to share my views, speak my mind – you know, use my voice. 

Sure, I’ve got as many opinions, thoughts, views, etc. as the average bear --- or homosapien, as it were. 

Heck, back in the day before a certain local newspaper unceremoniously turned me out in favor of syndicated sources, I aired my innermost beliefs in a little column entitled “My Sentiments Exactly.”  

And they were precisely that.  

My arguably entertaining/enlightening/humorous blurbs of the week did seem to appeal to quite a few of my fellow earthlings; an honor I never took for granted nor under-appreciated.  

Over the years, I have waxed philosophically over topics ranging from the serious to the sublime to the downright silly.  

But these days, I seem to be suffering from a bout of literary laryngitis.   

More hmpf.  

I’ve been letting that nasty little voice in my noggin shout through a metaphorical megaphone.  

You know the one, self-doubt though that little bugger goes by several other equally unpleasant monikers. These include but are not necessarily limited to:    

• Insecurity
• Uncertainty
• Lack of confidence
• Self-questioning
• Hesitation
• Second-guessing
• Self-mistrust
• Diffidence
• Misgivings   

Maybe it’s because here, in the land of the free and the home of the brave, where we have freedoms on top of freedoms, we have forgotten the basics.    

You know, the things we learned in kindergarten but have long since abandoned in favor of a much more self-serving collective agenda.  

At the top of the list is “The Golden Rule” -- the ethical principle of treating others as you would like to be treated yourself, and it is a fundamental concept found in many cultures and religions.  

The Golden Rule is often summarized as "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." This principle emphasizes empathy and reciprocity in human interactions. Its origins can be traced back to various ancient texts and philosophies, including the teachings of Jesus in the Bible (Matthew 7:12 and Luke 6:31).   

The concept is also present in other religious and philosophical traditions, such as Buddhism, Hinduism, and Confucianism, indicating its universal appeal.   

According to Wikipedia:
-The Golden Rule serves as a foundational ethical guideline that encourages individuals to consider the feelings and rights of others. It promotes kindness, respect, and understanding in interpersonal relationships. “By applying the Golden Rule, individuals can foster a more compassionate and harmonious society.” 

-It has been articulated in various forms throughout history. For instance, ancient texts like the Mahābhārata and the Tirukkuṛaḷ echo similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of treating others with respect and dignity. Its enduring relevance highlights the shared moral values across different cultures and religions. 

-The Golden Rule is a powerful ethical principle that encourages empathy and reciprocity, making it a vital aspect of moral philosophy and human interaction across cultures and time periods. 

As Emeril Lagasse would say, “Bam!”  

Ergo, I’d like to close with a heartfelt plea that we all try a little harder to be more kind, tolerant, caring, respectful and good, old-fashioned nice to one another; plain and simple.

​After all, there’s a reason the word humane begins with human, Capsice?