Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Religion

MineralMan

(148,432 posts) Fri Nov 23, 2018, 08:16 PM Nov 2018

Reciprocity is the single key that unlocks ethical behavior. [View all]

Hillel, when asked by a prospective convert to Judaism to teach him the whole Torah while he stood on one leg, replied: “That which is hateful unto you do not do to your neighbor. This is the whole of the Torah, The rest is commentary. Go forth and study.”

It is all that is needed for the reasonable person to behave well. It is truly common sense. Perhaps that one principle, if taught from birth, could replace all need for religion. So I believe, anyhow.

Click here to purchase valentine hearts!

28 replies

= new reply since forum marked as read

Highlight:

Reciprocity is the single key that unlocks ethical behavior. [View all] MineralMan Nov 2018 OP

It is the key, guillaumeb Nov 2018 #1

If you think not, try thinking for a change. MineralMan Nov 2018 #2

What you really mean is: guillaumeb Nov 2018 #10

Do not presume to tell me what I mean, Guy. MineralMan Nov 2018 #11

We can all see what you write, guillaumeb Nov 2018 #12

You can see what I read? MineralMan Nov 2018 #13

Updated, and thank you. guillaumeb Nov 2018 #14

True, some people require an imaginary fanbase for validation Major Nikon Nov 2018 #7

cant have an all powerful priest class and bigoted masses with that kind of thinking nt msongs Nov 2018 #3

The very idea, I think. MineralMan Nov 2018 #4

Such an idea could never replace religion thbobby Nov 2018 #5

Well, it hasn't been tested. MineralMan Nov 2018 #6

Also how else are you going to guilt people into control? Major Nikon Nov 2018 #8

Only offerings of money can remove the shame and humiliation. MineralMan Nov 2018 #9

This: guillaumeb Nov 2018 #15

There's a saying. Act_of_Reparation Nov 2018 #17

You've been married 5 times, maybe it's you Major Nikon Nov 2018 #18

That's no substitute for religion. Act_of_Reparation Nov 2018 #16

Speaking of reciprocity, there is this example: guillaumeb Nov 2018 #19

What, pray tell, does that have to do with me, Guy? MineralMan Nov 2018 #21

But you're an atheist, MineralMan. Mariana Nov 2018 #23

You're right, of course. MineralMan Nov 2018 #24

Straw man fallacy in evidence. guillaumeb Nov 2018 #26

No, an affirmation of your observation. guillaumeb Nov 2018 #25

And, from the same thread, same poster: guillaumeb Nov 2018 #20

Again, why are you using someone else's words to question me? MineralMan Nov 2018 #22

I am agreeing with you that reciprocity is needed. guillaumeb Nov 2018 #27

If only it were that Snackshack Nov 2018 #28