Latest news with #Prophets
New Straits Times
21 hours ago
- General
- New Straits Times
The Golden Rule – in business and life
The saying "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" is widely known as the Golden Rule because it expresses a foundational principle of ethical behaviour: treating others with the same respect, kindness, and fairness that you wish for yourself. Across cultures, religions, and philosophical traditions, this idea has been recognised as a moral touchstone — a guiding rule for living harmoniously with others. Origins and Universal Appeal The Golden Rule appears in many religions. Islam includes the saying: "None of you truly believes until he wishes for his brother what he wishes for himself." Christianity has it that Jesus says: "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." Confucius (500 BCE) framed it as "Do not impose on others what you do not wish for yourself." Buddhism teaches compassion and the idea that one should treat all beings kindly. Judaism (in the Talmud) includes Rabbi Hillel's famous line: "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour." The universality of this idea gives it enduring power. Across time and place, people recognize that ethical living often begins with imagining ourselves in others' shoes. Why It's Called "Golden" It's called golden because it is considered a supreme or precious moral rule — something of high value, like gold itself. Philosophers and theologians over centuries have praised it as a simple yet profound guide that can apply in nearly every situation. It distils moral thinking into a clear, actionable formula: ask yourself how you'd want to be treated and extend that behaviour to others. Unlike rules based on external authority or complex systems of laws, the Golden Rule asks for internal reflection. It requires self-awareness and empathy. You become your own ethical guide, using your preferences and experiences to shape how you treat those around you. Strengths of the Golden Rule There are several reasons why the Golden Rule has been held up as a moral gold standard: Simplicity The rule is easy to understand and remember. It doesn't require formal education, legal training, or religious study. Even children can grasp its meaning. Universality Because it appeals to shared human experience, it crosses cultural and religious lines. Most people know what it feels like to want kindness, fairness, honesty, or respect. Empathy-Building It encourages people to put themselves in someone else's position, imagining how their actions affect others emotionally or practically. Flexibility It can apply in personal relationships, workplaces, schools, politics, and even international relations. It scales from one-on-one interactions to societal norms. Foundation for Reciprocity The rule supports the idea that when we treat others well, we're more likely to be treated well in return. While not transactional, it fosters mutual respect and trust. Criticisms and Limitations Despite its strengths, the Golden Rule isn't perfect, and philosophers have raised thoughtful critiques. Different Preferences The rule assumes that others want the same treatment you do. But what if their values, needs, or tastes differ? For example, you might value blunt honesty, but someone else might prefer gentle feedback. Applying your standard without considering their perspective can lead to misunderstandings. Cultural Differences What is polite or kind in one culture may be offensive or puzzling in another. For instance, direct eye contact is respectful in some places but rude in others. Limited in Complex Moral Dilemmas The Golden Rule works well for many day-to-day interactions but doesn't provide answers to more abstract or large-scale ethical questions, such as how to distribute societal resources or balance competing rights. Need for Broader Ethical Principles Ethical systems often include duties, rights, justice, fairness, and compassion — all of which sometimes require more than just asking how you would like to be treated. Because of these challenges, some thinkers propose refining the Golden Rule by adding an informed perspective, such as "Treat others as they would want to be treated" (sometimes called the Platinum Rule), which emphasizes understanding and respecting differences. Why It Endures Despite critiques, the Golden Rule remains influential because it taps into a deep human intuition about fairness. It's a tool that nudges people away from selfishness and cruelty and toward cooperation and harmony. It makes ethics personal — not just a set of imposed rules but a daily, living practice. In modern life, where people interact across vast cultural and social divides, the Golden Rule reminds us to slow down and reflect before we act. It's not about achieving perfect moral outcomes but about cultivating a mindset of respect and goodwill. "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" is called the Golden Rule because of its enduring value, simplicity, and moral richness. While it has limits and must be applied thoughtfully, it offers a timeless foundation for ethical behaviour. By inviting us to reflect on our own desires and apply them outward, it helps build a world that is kinder, fairer, and more humane. *The writer is a former chief executive officer of Minority Shareholders Watch Group and has over two decades of experience in the Malaysian capital market.
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Yahoo
Loved ones, officials remember slain KC paramedic at funeral: ‘A walking angel‘
One of the Bible verses on the wall outside Pleasant Valley Baptist Church's sanctuary is from the Book of Matthew, a verse that embodies how officials and loved ones described slain Kansas City firefighter-paramedic Graham Hoffman. The verse, from chapter 7, verse 12, reads: 'So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.' Dozens of firefighters and first responders from local agencies, to first responders from as far as California, filled the church and lined the the sanctuary walls Friday to honor Hoffman, who was killed in the line of duty April 27, after he was fatally stabbed by a patient he was treating in an ambulance. During the public visitation, hundreds paid their respects to Hoffman while the lobby buzzed with first responder brotherhood. Hugs, handshakes, back slaps and well wishes spread throughout the building as attendees coped with the loss of one of their own. Hoffman's casket was open, with his firefighter jacket and helmet standing up next to him, and an American flag draped over his casket. Flowers, shaped into Kansas City Fire Department insignia, were displayed in the pulpit and on both sides of the casket. First responders and loved ones signed Kansas City Fire Department signs commemorating Hoffman outside the sanctuary. During the funeral, Hoffman's older brother, Noah, said he always looked up to his younger brother and recollected on his loving spirit in the family's first public comment since Hoffman's death. 'He is a walking angel,' Noah said during his emotional speech. 'People always say you can give the shirt off his back. He is the person that would have done that.' The elder sibling recalled how Hoffman was good at everything he did, and was always a competitor in sports. As kids, the brothers played with each other in sports, like homemade mini golf and wiffleball games, and camped in their backyard, ringing neighbors' doorbells and running away, known to many as the classic game, Ding Dong Ditch. Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas, who spoke first at the funeral, mentioned Hoffman's beaming smile and generous, kind personality that loved ones conveyed to him in the days since Hoffman's death. Lucas was one of several public officials who attended the service, including members of the Kansas City City Council, Jackson County legislature, and prosecutors for Jackson County and Clay County. 'Based on everything I've heard about Graham from those who knew him best, it should not be a challenge to keep his memory alive, and indeed, we all will make sure that we continue to do that,' Lucas said. Hoffman was 29 years old, and joined the Kansas City Fire Department in 2022. He was stationed at Station 42 in southeast Kansas City and was working overtime in Kansas City's Northland at the time of his death. Hoffman started his career working for Belton Fire Department, whose officials were in attendance, and joined Kansas City Fire during one of the biggest staffing shortages in department history, Kansas City Fire Chief Ross Grundyson said during his speech. 'I remember getting a call from the Belton chief, and he was grumbling to me that I was taking one of his best young men,' Grundyson said. 'I was so glad to have Graham on our team during his time at KC.' Hoffman was a skilled paramedic who saved many lives while remaining calm and compassionate, Grundyson said. On April 27, Hoffman was sent with a partner on a routine call to the area of North Oak Trafficway and MO-152 around 1 a.m. Hoffman was treating the patient in the ambulance on the way to the hospital when he was allegedly stabbed in the heart by the woman they had been called to transport. The woman, identified as Shanetta Bossell, allegedly also tried to steal the ambulance after the act and bit the police officer who tried to stop her, just days after being arrested for biting another off-duty officer in another incident, for which she was deemed a danger to the public. Bossell has been charged with first-degree murder, armed criminal action, third-degree assault of a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest in the death of Hoffman in Clay County. Bossell has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Lucas pledged to get justice for the fallen firefighter, and to make sure Hoffman's name is known. 'Graham, in many ways, is the best of Kansas City,' Lucas said. Hoffman has already received tributes throughout the state. On the night of his death, Union Station displayed red, gold, and black, the colors of the Kansas City Fire Department crest. Fundraisers have raised over $100,000 for Hoffman's family. On Friday, American and Missouri flags were flown at half-staff at government buildings in Cass, Clay, Jackson, and Platte counties, the Fire Fighters Memorial of Missouri in Kingdom City, and firehouses statewide. Hoffman would have turned 30 on May 9. Bagpipes and drums from several local and state agencies, including the Olathe Fire Department and the Springfield Fire Department, rang like a chorus throughout the sanctuary as 'Amazing Grace' was played towards the end of the ceremony. Uniformed officials put on their caps and wiped away their tears during the soulful rendition. The same bagpipes played as Hoffman's casket was walked outside with family and loved ones in front of more than 100 saluting first responders after the service ended. The casket was placed onto a Station 42 fire truck, the first vehicle to begin the procession that drove under a giant waving American flag outside of the church, held high by two KCFD pumper trucks. The procession, which wound through the metro and passed by Station 42, featured local agencies using flashing lights on their vehicles. But before his final journey, those at the funeral were reminded to honor Hoffman by embracing the positivity he was known for, even in this time of tragedy. Rev. Adam James, a deacon at St. Andrews Episcopal Church, performed a eulogy focused on balancing mournful emotions of rage and anger with Hoffman's love-centered attitude, which James called Christ-like. Hoffman's girlfriend told James that the fallen firefighter would not want people to be angry at Bossell, James said. 'She said, 'You can be mad, but you'll have to let that go. Graham would want you to turn this negative into a positive,' James said. Hoffman's giving spirit is also reflected in his decision to be an organ donor. His organs, donated through Midwest Transplant Network, are estimated to impact more than 100 lives, Grundyson said. Noah Hoffman said he never wanted to bury his little brother, but telling people how much Hoffman meant to him was the highlight of his week. He thanked everyone for their love and support. 'Just seeing all you guys look up here, I mean, just makes me feel so good,' Noah said. 'And just having these fleeting moments of bliss are so good for me and my family. So I just want you guys to know how much it means to us all. Everything you guys have all done it's been wonderful.'
The Spinoff
02-05-2025
- General
- The Spinoff
The Unity Books bestseller chart for the week ending May 2
The only published and available best-selling indie book chart in New Zealand is the top 10 sales list recorded every week at Unity Books' stores in High St, Auckland, and Willis St, Wellington. AUCKLAND 1 Preachers, Pastors, Prophets: The Dominican Friars of Aotearoa by Susannah Grant (Otago University Press, $60) This sound fascinating. Here is the publisher's full and fulsome blurb: 'Preachers, Pastors, Prophets draws on a rich collection of archival material and oral interviews to tell the story of the Dominican friars of Aotearoa New Zealand. Heirs to a spiritual tradition dating back to the early thirteenth century, the friars' lives are shaped by their commitment to the Order's motto: Veritas (Truth). They have served as university and hospital chaplains, parish priests, liturgists, itinerant retreat leaders and theologians, and in media and justice roles. Never a large group, they have nevertheless reached deep into Catholic life in Aotearoa, working up and down the length of the country and across denominational boundaries. Although no longer involved in active ministry the New Zealand friars continue to fund and facilitate Aaiotanga – the Peace Place – a community space in downtown Auckland focused on peace and social justice issues. More than the history of a religious organisation, this is the story of a group of dissimilar – often eccentric – individuals who worked in a range of ministries; of the faith that united them as brothers and gave purpose to their mission as preachers; and of their impact on the communities and churches they served in Aotearoa New Zealand. Alongside the many positive achievements of Dominican ministry, this account also addresses previously silenced stories of abuse of power. Preachers, Pastors, Prophets is not a sacred history. It's a human history. Like Grant's previous book, a study of the Dominican sisters, Preachers, Pastors, Prophets offers a window into a particular world and the ways that world has transformed over time.' 2 Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins (Scholastic, $30) Hunger Games fans are calling this best book in the series yet. 3 Butter by Asako Yuzuki (Fourth Estate, $35) Hugely popular crime novel enjoying a sales bump due to the fact that the author is appearing at Auckland Writers Festival very soon. 4 When the Going Was Good by Graydon Carter (Atlantic Books, $40) Nostalgic for the golden age of magazines? This is the book for you. 5 Unforgetting by Belinda Robinson (Quentin Wilson Publishing, $40) The daughter of playwright Bruce Mason shares her memoir of abuse at the hands of a childhood nanny. RNZ's Kathryn Ryan talked to Robinson about her story, here. 6 Orbital by Samantha Harvey (Jonathan Cape, $26) Wonder if anyone on the Blue Origin flight read this Booker Prize winner? 7 Careless People: A Story of Where I Used to Work by Sarah Wynn-Williams (Pan UK, $40) 'The shark brings Wynn-Williams many gifts, if by 'gifts' we mean big shark bite marks on her torso and lifelong trauma. It also seems to ignite her already eldest-sister-of-four levels of ambition and determination into shooting flames. But the shark's greatest gift, as far as the reader is concerned, is a truly unbelievable-seeming yarn and the ability to spin it.' Read more of Julie Hill's review of this book, here on The Spinoff. 8 Understanding Te Tiriti by Roimata Smail (Wai Ako, $25) Welcome back! The small book that has done big things pairs well with The Spinoff's guide to Te Tiriti. 9 Northbound by Naomi Arnold (Harper Collins, $40) 'The way Arnold has managed to condense nine months and 3028 kilometres into bang-on 300 pages is impressive throughout. From the nature descriptions, to the meal recaps and interactions she has with other walkers – the story includes many small but perfectly formed vignettes – like that chat with Doug – that illuminate more than their page space would suggest.' Wrote The Spinoff's Liv Sisson in her glowing review of Arnold's odyssey. 10 Eurotrash by Christian Kracht (Serpents Tail, $30) Purchasing for the cover and title typeface alone. Here's the blurb: 'A rambunctious, tragicomic absurd road trip novel about a wealthy Swiss-German mother and son. Realising he and she are the very worst kind of people, our unnamed middle-aged narrator embarks on a highly dubious road trip through Switzerland with his terminally ill and terminally drunken mother. They try unsuccessfully to give away or squander the fortune she has amassed from investing in armament industry shares. Along the journey they bicker endlessly over the past, throw handfuls of francs into a ravine and exasperate the living daylights out of their long-suffering taxi driver. The crimes of the twentieth century are never far behind, but neither is the need for more is a bitterly comic, vertiginous mirror-cabinet of familial and historical reckoning. Kracht's novel is a narrative tour-de-force of the tenderness and spite meted out between two people who cannot escape one another.' WELLINGTON 1 Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins (Scholastic, $30) 2 Covid Response: A scientist's account of New Zealand's pandemic and what comes next by Shaun Hendy (Bridget Williams Books, $40) Professor Shaun Hendy returns us to the Covid years and how and why government made their decisions about what to do and when. It's a very readable piece of literature: smartly arranged in chapters with subheadings and including chapters outlining what to do in future. 3 Sea Change by Jenny Pattrick (Bateman, $38) The unstoppable Jenny Pattrick (author of The Denniston Rose) is back with this novel imagining a tsunami has devastated the Paekākāriki community on the Kāpiti Coast. Aptly, the novel has been reviewed over on paekākā 'Four novels for the price of one,' enthuses this reviewer on The Guardian. 6 Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry (Viking, $38) Something about an heiress and two writers battling to tell her story. 7 Orbital by Samantha Harvey (Jonathan Cape, $26) 8 Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan (Faber $25) Welcome back brilliant friend! The slim novella that might well be staging a return to this hallowed chart due to the fact that the movie adaptation staring Cillian Murphy is now out in cinemas around Aotearoa. 9 Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins (Hay House, $32) The latest book that's telling you how to change your life.
LBCI
23-02-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Al Rahi says during Sunday Mass: We must stand firm and resist for Lebanon's future
Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros Al Rahi led Sunday Mass at the Church of Bkerke, assisted by bishops, priests, nuns, and a large crowd of dignitaries and faithful. In his sermon, titled "They have Moses and the Prophets, let them listen to them" (Luke 16:29), Al Rahi spoke about Lebanon's current situation, saying: "The Lebanese reality has lost love and is weighed down by grudges, especially among leaders.'' He added, ''When grudges dominate, peaceful solutions become impossible, and no initiatives or revolutions can save Lebanon. Initiatives turn into mere wishes, and revolutions become divisive. Grudges have no place in the hearts of most Lebanese. The people are not like some of their leaders, and some leaders no longer reflect their country." He emphasized, "Some politicians are not suited to represent Lebanon's great people and exceptional state. On the other hand, there is no place for fear or defeatism. Fear is a preemptive defeat, while defeatism is a compounding of that defeat. These are destructive emotions at a time when the nation's future is at stake.'' Al Rahi continued, ''We must stand firm, resist, and fight for our freedom in these decisive times. In times like these, only national victory can defend Lebanon's values and principles."
