I devoted a portion of my university years studying international politics. I learned a sensitivity toward people in countries other than the US and even Western Europe. The study of the history of international actions taught me about the Law of Unintended Consequences.
It also taught me to consider alternative trains of thought.
For example, consider what we call the Golden Rule. No, I don’t mean “he who has the gold makes the rules.” I have met people who honor that one. I am thinking about “do unto others as you would like them to do unto you.”
I always adopted the meaning of doing good for other people.
Three sources in my reading last week all pointed to a nefarious side of this rule.
“Do unto others as you would like them to do unto you…so that, they will reciprocate and give you something.”
Gotta say, I am so naive that I never considered the use of the rule for manipulation.
I try to avoid being the object of manipulation. I think of it every time I open Facebook or LinkedIn (the only social media I use). These are engaged in a constant battle to manipulate us. Enter at your own risk.
I will continue to try to live by the Golden Rule. And, I guess that as I become aware of someone trying to manipulate me, I’ll decide my response from there.
Gary Mintchell
Faith Venture 