The Golden Rule

The Golden Rule or Ethic of Reciprocity is a maxim, an ethical code, or a morality, that essentially states any of the following:

1. One should treat others according to how one would like others to treat one's self.
2. Treat others as you would like to be treated.
3. One should not treat others in ways one would not like to be treated.
4. Do not treat others in ways you would not like to be treated.

The Golden Rule has a long history, and a great number of prominent religious figures and philosophers have restated its reciprocal, bilateral nature in various ways and not limited to the above forms.

The Golden Rule is arguably the most essential basis for the modern concept of human rights, in which each individual has a right to just treatment, and a responsibility to ensure justice for others. A key element of the Golden Rule is that a person attempting to live by this rule treats all people with consideration, not just members of his or her in-group. The Golden Rule has its roots in a wide range of world cultures, and is a standard which different cultures use to resolve conflicts.

Christianity All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye so to them; for this is the law and the prophets.
      Matthew 7:1
Confucianism Do not do to others what you would not like yourself. Then there will be no resentment against you, either in the family or in the state.
      Analects 12:2
Buddhism Hurt not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful.
      Udana-Varga 5,1
Hinduism This is the sum of duty; do naught onto others what you would not have them do unto you.
      Mahabharata 5,1517
Islam No one of you is a believer until he desires for his brother that which he desires for himself.
      Sunnah
Judaism What is hateful to you, do not do to your fellowman. This is the entire Law; all the rest is commentary.
      Talmud, Shabbat 3id
Taoism Regard your neighbor’s gain as your gain, and your neighbor’s loss as your own loss.
      Tai Shang Kan Yin P’ien
Zoroastrianism That nature alone is good which refrains from doing another whatsoever is not good for itself.
      Dadisten-I-dinik, 94,5