The golden rule says, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." This means that a person should treat others how he or she wants to be treated. Generally, people want to be treated fairly and with kindness, compassion and courtesy. At six years old, Scout Finch is just starting to learn this rule because her solution is to become physically violent with other children when her pride is challenged. Atticus, being the kind and compassionate person and father that he is, takes the time to teach Scout the golden rule. He also demonstrates it in his social and professional life as well.
One example of Atticus using the golden rule is when he teaches it to his daughter to help her get along with others at school.
"First of all. . . if you can learn a simple trick, Scout, you'll get along a lot better with all kinds of folks. You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view. . . until you climb into his skin and walk around in it" (30).
This is Atticus's "trick" for how to apply the golden rule. Once you look at life from another person's point of view, it's easier to show compassion towards them--or at least speak to them with respect without lowering oneself in the process.
Then, Atticus shows that he uses his own advice after Bob Ewell spits in his face and provokes him to a fight in public. Jem doesn't understand how Atticus puts up with people like that, so Atticus explains as follows:
"Jem, see if you can stand in Bob Ewell's shoes a minute. I destroyed his last shred of credibility at that trial, if he had any to begin with. The man had to have some kind of comeback, his kind always does. So if spitting in my face and threatening me saved Mayella Ewell one extra beating, that's something I'll gladly take" (218).
Atticus does not condone Bob Ewell's actions, he simply won't stoop to a lower level. Plus, by applying the golden rule in this situation, Atticus avoids a fight and may have helped someone else in the process.
One last example of Atticus using the golden rule is when he deals with Mrs. Dubose. She's an old lady who bad-mouths Atticus behind his back and to his children. Rather than respond accordingly, Atticus will take off his hat and say, "Good evening, Mrs. Dubose! You look like a picture this evening." He also teaches Jem the following:
"Easy does it, son. . . She's an old lady and she's ill. You just hold your head high and be a gentleman. Whatever she says to you, it's your job not to let her make you mad" (100).
By applying the golden rule, Atticus teaches his children not to get riled up by what people say or think. He also shows that he won't lower himself to bad behavior or disrespecting others. As a result, people are respectful to his face, and ultimately, they respect him deep down, too.
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