This is a motivating, short, and easy to read book that tries to persuade the reader to adopt and apply the Golden Rule to their life as the ethical standard. Although the title of this book could mislead and create the wrong impression that it is intended to be read by businesspersons, this book can be used by anyone, since the general purpose is to apply the Golden Rule not only to the business environment but also to the personal life of the readers.

The book will generate great results and deep impact in the life of those persons, whom regardless of their social status or occupation, find themselves lost or disoriented regarding to their ethics standards. Throughout examples and real life stories in several aspects, the author illustrates his points and creates consciousness among the readers. At the end of each of the seven chapters, readers will find four to six straightforward questions that will help them look inside themselves and reflect what they have just read.

The author starts the book by citing ethical issues that have been creating concern in our society. Afterward, he focuses in the benefits and the importance of the Golden Rule. Subsequently, readers will find valuable tips of how to start thinking and applying this concept, which give introduction to other concept known as character. In chapter 5, the book encloses five factors that are considered to be the deceivers for people to follow an appropriate ethic path. Later, in the following chapter, the Dr. John C. Maxwell persuades readers to follow eight of his suggestions of how people can develop strong character in order to pursue golden opportunities. Finally, the author invites the readers to pursue the Golden Rule instead of the "Real Gold" by adopting five practices.


The Golden Rule works, This Book Falls Short   March 2, 2004
 11 out of 19 found this review helpful

The application of the Golden Rule to our everyday lives is something that we can all agree is good. John Maxwell does a good job or defining the golden rule, its worldwide acceptance, and how we can apply it to our everyday. It was more like a walk down memory lane; to a time when a teacher or mentor first explained the concept to us. However I do have a few concerns with Mr. Maxwell's book. First there might need to be a better job at researching Fletcher thoughts on Relativism...in his book he labels Fletcher as the father of mordern day Realativism...quoting (or rather misquoting) Fletcher's statement that love can justify anything. I am in not postition to defend Fletcher, for I am not that familiar with his work, however he does not just use the term love. Rather he uses the term Agape Love, coming from the ancient Greek...the highest and purest form of love...one that God would have for us, a term any minister or pastor of the Christian Faith would know very well. Second after page 86 the book get repediative and seems to get off track. This links to my last issue with the book and why it gets a bit off track, as it turns into an advertisement for Mr. Maxwell's corporation, the last several pages are nothing but adverstisements asking you to visit their web site for free character quiz and then taking you down a road of Buy...buy...buy our products. Not what I expected and was somewhat disappointed. In short taking some know concepts, putting a somewhat of a new spin on them and then publishing to add another book to the list of those authored. Part of the disappointment is that I know this book could be better.