Alexander Severus's Golden Rule: A Guide

Hey guys! Today, let's dive into something super interesting from ancient history – the Golden Rule as practiced by the Roman Emperor Alexander Severus. You might be thinking, "Another emperor? Another rule?" But trust me, this one's pretty cool and still relevant today. We're going to break down who Alexander Severus was, what his Golden Rule actually entailed, and why it mattered (and still matters!).

Who Was Alexander Severus?

Okay, so first things first: who was this Alexander Severus guy? He was a Roman Emperor who ruled from 222 to 235 AD. Now, that might seem like a long, long time ago (and it was!), but his reign was marked by some pretty significant attempts at reform and a general sense of trying to do what was right. He came to power at a young age, and much of his early rule was influenced by his mother, Julia Mamaea. She was a smart cookie and helped guide him in making decisions that, for the most part, were aimed at benefiting the Roman Empire and its people.

One of the key things to know about Alexander Severus is that he wasn't your typical power-hungry, let's-conquer-the-world kind of emperor. Instead, he focused on internal improvements, like repairing public buildings, fostering the arts and sciences, and trying to maintain peace within the empire. Of course, he had to deal with the usual Roman Empire problems like border skirmishes and political intrigue, but his overall approach was one of moderation and justice. He even tried to curb some of the excesses of the Roman court and administration, which, as you can imagine, didn't always make him the most popular guy with the Roman elite.

Alexander Severus's reign is often seen as a bit of a respite in a period of general decline and instability in the Roman Empire. While he wasn't perfect (no one is, especially not emperors!), he genuinely seemed to want to improve the lives of his subjects and leave a positive mark on the empire. This brings us to the heart of the matter: his Golden Rule.

Unpacking the Golden Rule

Alright, let's get to the juicy part – the Golden Rule itself! Now, you might already be familiar with the general concept of the Golden Rule: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." It's a pretty universal principle that pops up in various cultures and religions around the world. But Alexander Severus put his own spin on it, and it's this specific version that we're interested in.

According to historical accounts, Alexander Severus had this saying inscribed in his palace and on public monuments: "Quod tibi fieri non vis, alteri ne feceris." Translation? "What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to another." Sounds familiar, right? It's a direct and powerful statement that encapsulates the essence of ethical behavior. It's all about empathy and considering how your actions affect others. If you wouldn't want someone to treat you a certain way, then you shouldn't treat them that way either. Simple as that!

But here's where it gets interesting. Alexander Severus didn't just pay lip service to this rule. He actually tried to live by it and incorporate it into his governance. He believed that by treating his subjects with fairness and respect, he could create a more just and harmonious society. This meant things like ensuring fair trials, protecting the rights of the common people, and trying to prevent corruption within the government. He understood that a ruler's actions had a direct impact on the lives of everyone in the empire, and he wanted that impact to be a positive one.

It's also worth noting that Alexander Severus was known for his religious tolerance. He didn't force people to worship the Roman gods; instead, he allowed them to practice their own religions freely. He even included images of various religious figures, including Jesus Christ, in his private shrine. This openness and acceptance were pretty remarkable for the time and further demonstrate his commitment to treating others with respect and understanding. The Golden Rule, in his eyes, wasn't just a nice idea; it was a guiding principle for how to live a good life and govern effectively.

Why This Matters

So, why should we care about something that happened almost two thousand years ago? Well, the Golden Rule is still incredibly relevant today. In a world that often feels divided and polarized, the simple act of treating others as you would want to be treated can go a long way toward building bridges and fostering understanding. Alexander Severus understood this, and his efforts to implement the Golden Rule in his own life and government offer some valuable lessons for us.

First off, it reminds us of the importance of empathy. Putting yourself in someone else's shoes and considering their perspective is crucial for making ethical decisions. Before you act, ask yourself: How would I feel if someone did this to me? Would I want to be treated this way? If the answer is no, then you probably shouldn't do it. This simple exercise can help you avoid causing harm and promote positive relationships with others.

Secondly, Alexander Severus's example highlights the power of leadership. As an emperor, he had a tremendous amount of influence, and he chose to use that influence to promote justice and fairness. Whether you're a CEO, a teacher, a parent, or simply a member of your community, you have the power to lead by example and inspire others to act ethically. By living the Golden Rule yourself, you can create a ripple effect that extends far beyond your own actions.

Finally, the story of Alexander Severus and his Golden Rule serves as a reminder that positive change is possible, even in challenging times. The Roman Empire was far from perfect, and Alexander Severus faced plenty of obstacles during his reign. But he didn't give up on trying to make things better. He believed that by adhering to ethical principles, he could create a more just and prosperous society. And while his reign was ultimately cut short by his assassination, his commitment to the Golden Rule remains an inspiring example of what's possible when we prioritize empathy, leadership, and positive change.

How to Apply the Golden Rule Today

Okay, so we know the Golden Rule is awesome, but how can we actually use it in our daily lives? Here are a few practical tips:

• In Your Relationships: Think about how you treat your friends, family, and significant others. Are you being as kind, supportive, and understanding as you could be? The Golden Rule suggests that you should treat them with the same level of care and respect that you would want them to show you. This means listening to their concerns, being there for them when they need you, and avoiding actions that could hurt or offend them.
• At Work: The workplace can be a challenging environment, but the Golden Rule can help you navigate tricky situations. Treat your colleagues with respect, even when you disagree with them. Be willing to help them out when they need it, and avoid gossiping or spreading rumors. Remember, a positive and supportive work environment benefits everyone.
• Online: The internet can sometimes feel like the Wild West, but the Golden Rule still applies! Think before you post or comment on social media. Would you say the same thing to someone's face? Avoid cyberbullying, spreading misinformation, or engaging in online arguments. Instead, use the internet as a tool for connection, education, and positive change.
• In Your Community: The Golden Rule extends beyond your immediate circle. Think about how you can contribute to your community and make it a better place for everyone. Volunteer your time, donate to worthy causes, or simply be a good neighbor. Remember, small acts of kindness can have a big impact.

Conclusion

So there you have it, guys! The Golden Rule of Alexander Severus – a simple yet profound principle that can guide us toward more ethical and fulfilling lives. By treating others as we would want to be treated, we can build stronger relationships, create more just societies, and make the world a better place. It's not always easy, but it's always worth striving for. Let's all try to be a little more like Alexander Severus and make the Golden Rule a central part of our lives. What do you think? Let me know in the comments below!