The parable of good and bad deeds

The most important law at the fair of life

Friends pondered and didn't know what to say. But it was not in their nature to be sad. They needed to come up with something urgently and find a formula for a happy and joyful life, even if the snakes would interfere by offering to do bad things and deeds.

— Well, what can we do now if we can't drive away the snakes? — asked Oscar, looking hopefully at his grandfather.

— It's simple, Oscar, just don't do bad things and deeds, but do good ones, — the grandfather said with a smile, — And your house of life will be strong and warm.

— But how? Snakes will mix their deeds with good ones, so how can we distinguish good deeds from bad ones? I don't know how to tell them apart, for me all deeds are the same. I don't want to keep patching up holes in my own house all the time! What should we do? — said Oscar.

— A good question, grandpa replied, — but before I answer it, let me ask you a question in return: would you like to experience the things you do to others on the fair of life, on yourself?

— Some things yes, and some things no, — Oscar grinned, — I don't want to be deceived, made fun of, or fight over petty things. I want people to help me in my troubles and hardships, and to make peace with me!

— Then why, Oscar, do you do to others what you don't want done to yourself, in your deeds and actions on the fair of life? — Grandpa asked sternly.

— I don't know, — Oscar murmured shamefully… — I just want to quickly build my house of life and show off to my friends. I don't realize that it's not me who experiences the bad consequences of my actions, and I don't think that I shouldn't do it.

— I don't blame you, Oscar, — Grandpa continued, — unfortunately, experience comes with time, but time and bad deeds cannot be undone. However, our wise ancestors long ago found the main law of the fair of life, and it sounds like this:

«Do unto others only what you wish done unto yourself».

— Interesting law, I like it, — said Mickey with a smile.

— This law can also be stated differently, — continued grandfather, — «Do not do unto others what you do not wish done unto yourself». It's important for you, my children, to understand it and remember it in both forms, as the meaning is the same.

— So, from this rule, it follows that we should only do good deeds? We only want good things for ourselves and not bad! — exclaimed Oscar in surprise.

— Yes, that's correct, — agreed grandfather, — but also remember something important. After doing a good deed for someone else, don't expect them to do the same for you in return. They may not have the time or ability to do so. And sometimes, even we ourselves may forget to respond with kindness or get caught up in the busyness of life. But by setting a good example, it will stay in their memory and bring kindness back into our magical world, returning to all of us with happiness and love.

— Do unto others only what you would have done unto you, — said Mickey with a smile.

— Well done, Mickey, — replied Grandpa, — this law is the most important one at the fair of life, and if you adhere to it in choosing your actions and deeds, then the bricks of your life's house will be as strong as stone and hold warmth and comfort for all eternity. Oscar, you yourself said that you only desire good things for yourself. By doing good deeds at the fair of life, you receive good in return — strong and durable bricks from Sunny Street for your life's little home, — Grandpa wisely spoke.