What’s a personal mantra or philosophy you live by?
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When I was in college one of the languages classes I took was Biblical Hebrew (a bit different from modern Hebrew) which meant we also had some exposure to Aramaic.
One of the lessons was the story that spawned the “Golden Rule” or parable of the Good Samaritan.
In that story a pagan goes to Rabbi Gamliel and says, I will convert (to Judaism) if you can tell me all there is to know in the Torah while I stand on one foot. Rabbi Gamliel sent him away.
Undaunted, the pagan goes to Rabbi Hillel and asks the same thing – I will convert if you can tell me all there is to know in the Torah while I stand on one foot.
Rabbi Hillel said, “that which is harmful to you, do not to others. All else is commentary, go forth and study!”
I have always tried to do right and treat people decently. My grandma always said that it doesn’t cost anything to be nice.
But once I read that story, it made sense to me and I always try to do what Rabbi Hillel said. Of course, there are some people who just will not let you do that, but I try.
I make a habit when asking to do something instead of saying can I, I ask would it be possible???
And instead of do I owe you anything; I ask WHAT do I owe you???