Why the silver rule is better

The golden rule is traditionally presented as the maxim whereby we should treat others as we ourselves would wish to be treated. But in many cases we are incapable of treating others as we would wish to be treated... put simply although we might like to be given gifts from people we would not be able to give everyone a gift. Since we are not magic we are not capable of this. So then it appears that this maxim (whilst being irrefutable) offers little of value. The more interesting arrangement is the 'silver' rule whereby we should not treat others as we ourselves would not wish to be treated. This inversion of the statement makes it much easier to apply in our lives. If we would want to be left alone then we should leave others alone and only interact with them if we have their permission. It is this freedom which enables us to pass through life doing the least harm.