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In this work, Gephardt brings Scripture to life by living the biblical Golden Rule, "do unto others as you would have done unto you." Rooted in the lessons and guidance of his parents, the author sheds light on a lifetime lived in accordance with the Golden Rule. Even when life threw him curveballs, he always responded with conviction in the Golden Rule.
Simultaneously, the work functions as both a memoir and a blueprint; readers get a glimpse into Gephardt's life as a model of how one can thrive and embody the Golden Rule. Gephardt reminisces about his mother's lessons from his childhood that ultimately helped mold him into a model citizen. An example is engaging in dinner conversations by asking others questions about themselves rather than revolving the spotlight upon oneself. This appreciation and demonstration instill the belief that their presence matters. Similarly, making eye contact when speaking and active listening are fundamental to treating those around you with respect. Interestingly, these essential rules from the Gephardt family are often described as best practices across personal, educational, interview, and work environments.
Though the work is simple and straightforward, it is equally profound in its message: no matter what happens, good or bad, living by the Golden Rule presents an opportunity to improve the situation. Further, it is one of the purest ways to operate in God's light and the guidance of Scripture. Digging deeper, however, Gephardt acknowledges that the Golden Rule is not always easy to follow. There will be challenges and struggles, but the author offers consistent, timely reminders that the individual is always in control of his responses. As he states, "bad behavior always leads to bad behavior back," fostering an ultimately defeatist and losing effort.
Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of the work is Gephardt's meticulous research, which reveals that the biblical Golden Rule has variations across nearly all religions because the ultimate goal is to instill kindness and empathy in humanity. Yet, despite its universal nature, it isn't merely a rule to be followed, according to the author. Instead, the author takes on a nurturing tone to help resolve audience uncertainties or anything that might lead them to hesitate to live the Golden Rule. In fact, using his own parents as teachers, the author often probed and contemplated "why" questions in his youth. Naturally, it can be tough to reconcile with someone who is constantly treating you poorly while you treat them with respect. The author breaks down the complexities of this struggle with grace and simplicity, making it easy for readers to fully commit.
As Gephardt dives further into his memoir, his focus on abiding by the Golden Rule works, as he states, like the North Star, keeping him tethered to righteousness and positivity. From his successes in the public sector, like the Democratic Ward organization, to accolades in private industry and even the ups and downs of marital life, the Golden Rule has been his shield of sorts, a trusted blueprint to ensure he does not go astray. In essence, Gephardt's own life is a testimony to the Golden Rule; he encourages all audiences to do the same if they want to regain the reins of their own lives.