Frequently Asked Questions

A golden rule is a timeless principle or guideline that provides clear direction for navigating complex situations. These rules distill centuries of wisdom into actionable guidelines that apply across cultures, industries, and contexts. They're called "golden" because they're valuable, proven, and universally applicable.

Golden rules come from various sources: ancient wisdom traditions, professional best practices, scientific principles, cultural traditions, and lessons learned through experience. Some are thousands of years old (like "Treat others as you would like to be treated"), while others emerged from modern fields like software engineering (like "Don't Repeat Yourself") or business management (like the 80/20 Rule).

Golden rules are time-tested, broadly applicable, and memorable. Unlike specific advice that applies to narrow situations, golden rules work across different contexts and have been proven effective over long periods. They're also concise and easy to remember, making them practical to apply in real-time decision making.

You have several options:

• Use the search bar on the homepage to search by keywords
• Browse by category to explore rules organized by topic
• Try the "Random Rule" or "Rule of the Day" buttons for inspiration
• Check out our curated collections for specific scenarios

Yes! Every rule page has share buttons for Twitter and LinkedIn, plus a copy link button and a print button. Feel free to share wisdom with your team, friends, or social network.

We currently have 123 golden rules and we're constantly adding more. Each rule includes detailed explanations, real-world context, consequences of breaking it, and benefits of following it.

Great question! Some rules do seem to contradict (e.g., "Look before you leap" vs. "He who hesitates is lost"). The key is understanding that golden rules are context-dependent. Different situations call for different approaches. Part of wisdom is knowing which rule applies when. Consider the specific circumstances, your goals, and the risks involved to determine which principle is most relevant.

Here are some effective strategies:

• Start with 1-3 rules that resonate most with your current challenges
• Write them down and place them somewhere visible (desk, phone background, mirror)
• Review them during your morning or evening routine
• Share them with friends or colleagues for accountability
• Practice applying them consciously until they become automatic

Many core principles (like reciprocity, honesty, and preparation) appear across cultures in different forms. However, the specific application and emphasis can vary by cultural context. We try to present rules in their most universal form while acknowledging that wisdom takes different shapes in different traditions.

We're currently building a submission system! In the meantime, the best golden rules for inclusion are those that are: (1) time-tested and widely recognized, (2) applicable across multiple contexts, (3) concise and memorable, and (4) backed by evidence or long-standing tradition.

Yes! GoldenRules.net is completely free. Our mission is to make timeless wisdom accessible to everyone. There are no paywalls, no subscriptions, and no hidden costs.

GoldenRules.net was created to serve as a comprehensive reference library for timeless principles. We believe that having quick access to proven wisdom helps people make better decisions and live better lives.