My favorite parable for living a positive and influential life

Hear the voice of Tony Oller, who points not to a new invention of man, but to an eternal law spoken across generations: “My favorite parable for living a positive and influential life is the Golden Rule: ‘Do unto others what you would have them do unto you.’” In these words lies a teaching as old as civilization itself, a truth written in the heart of humanity. For to treat another with the kindness, fairness, and dignity you desire for yourself is not only the foundation of morality, but the root of influence, the seed of a life that blesses others long after the body is gone.

The Golden Rule is found in the wisdom of every tradition. In the East, Confucius said, “Do not impose on others what you do not wish for yourself.” In the West, Christ declared, “Whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them.” In every culture, from the sages of Greece to the teachings of Islam and Judaism, this principle shines. Why? Because it speaks to the universal nature of the human soul: that all desire to be treated with respect, mercy, and love, and therefore all are bound to extend the same to others.

To live a truly positive life is not simply to think hopeful thoughts, but to act in ways that spread goodness outward. And to live an influential life is not to dominate others, but to shape them by example, to awaken in them their own goodness. The Golden Rule is the path to both. It transforms daily encounters into opportunities for light. A word of encouragement given to another becomes a torch that may ignite hope in their darkness. A gesture of fairness builds trust that ripples through families and communities. Thus the one who follows this law becomes a silent architect of harmony.

History reveals the power of this teaching in the life of Mahatma Gandhi. Though oppressed by empire and scorned by many, he refused to answer cruelty with cruelty. Instead, he treated even his oppressors with the respect and dignity he desired for his people. This adherence to the Golden Rule became a weapon stronger than swords or guns. It stirred consciences across the world and helped win India’s freedom. His influence did not come from force, but from example—living proof that to act toward others as you would wish for yourself can reshape nations.

But let us also see the depth of this teaching. The Golden Rule is not only about kindness in comfort, but about restraint in power. It demands that when you hold advantage over another—be it strength, wealth, or authority—you wield it with the same gentleness you would hope for if the roles were reversed. This is what gives the principle its heroic strength: it asks us to go beyond instinct, beyond self-interest, into the realm of compassion and justice.

The lesson for us is clear: if you would live positively, if you would live influentially, you must treat every soul as you yourself would wish to be treated. Do not wait for greatness in grand acts—begin in the small, daily exchanges of life. Offer patience where you would hope for patience. Offer forgiveness where you would long to be forgiven. Offer dignity to those the world denies dignity. In this way, your life becomes a steady stream of influence, flowing outward to heal and to build.

Practical actions flow from this wisdom. Before speaking, pause and ask: Would I wish these words spoken to me? Before acting, ask: Would I wish this done to me? Let this question become the compass of your conduct. Write it upon your heart, teach it to your children, speak it to your friends. In time, it will become not only a principle, but a way of being, guiding your steps toward a life of light and legacy.

So remember Tony Oller’s counsel: “My favorite parable for living a positive and influential life is the Golden Rule.” Take it as your own. For in this simple law lies the wisdom of the ages, the foundation of peace among men, and the surest path to a life that blesses both the one who lives it and all who walk in its radiance.