JUDGE NOT LEST...

 At the end of the book Humankind, the author list ten rules (much like Jordan Peterson) for better living.

One is a new take on the Golden Rule. The author suggests that "do unto other as you would have them do unto you," is anything but golden. In fact, it may lead to doing things inappropriate or harmful to others. Examples like residential schools and the Sixties Scoop immediately come to mind. In fact, not everyone wants to be treated the same way you do. By respecting cultural differences and the desires of others, the author of Humankind suggests the new Golden Rule should be akin to what George Bernard Shaw once wrote, that is, "do not do unto others as you would that they should do unto you."

Another maxim that I've been doing a lot of thinking about is the line from the gospel of Matthew, "judge not lest ye be judged," a noble sentiment but is at all realistic?

From the moment we wake up, we are making judgments.. "Looks like it might rain," and "Can I get away with wearing this shirt for another day,?" were top of mind with me this morning. Later in the day, I cringed when I watched more than a few unmasked people at a local park. "What's wrong with some folks?" I muttered to myself. 

Jordan Peterson would say that we instinctively judge others against ourselves. It's in our DNA. 

From my perspective, a far better maxim (sorry about this Jesus)  is " be aware of one's own biases when making any kind of judgment." 

Our perception of reality is so often distorted by our prejudices and mislearning.  Last week, I noticed four men taking down some boards at a local outdoor skating rink here in Ottawa. They huddled together chatting for at least 30 minutes before embarking on the task at a leisurely pace. 

Are my tax payer dollars paying for this? I wondered to myself. Only much later did I learn that they were a group of volunteers. Oops! 

Just for today, take a moment to stop and reflect before you jump on the next band wagon that's painted in your favorite colour. 

Always try to be aware of your bias.