Definition
The principle commonly known as the Golden Rule is one of the most universal ethical guidelines, appearing in some form in nearly every major culture and religion.
It has two forms:
- Prohibitive: Do not do to others what you do not want to be done to you.
- Directive: Treat others as you would like others to treat you.
Sources
Here are some examples of the Golden Rule as found in various religious traditions. For more sources, see: Golden Rule (Wikipedia).
Christianity
“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” (Matthew 7:12, Luke 6:31)
“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Galinthians 5:14, Romans 13:9)
Islam
“The prophet said: Do to people what you like them to do to you, and do not do anything to people that you do not like to be done to you.” (Kitab al-Kafi: Volume 2, Book 1, Chapter 66:10)
“None of you [truly] believes until he wishes for his brother what he wishes for himself.” (Forty Hadith of an-Nawawi 40:13)
“You should desire for others what you desire for yourself and hate for others what you hate for yourself. Do not oppress as you do not like to be oppressed. Do good to others as you would like good to be done to you. … Do not say to others what you do not like to be said to you.” (Nahj al-balagha: Letter 31)
Judaism
“What is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow: this is the whole Torah; the rest is the explanation.” (Talmud: Shabbat 31a)
“You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against your kinsfolk. Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Leviticus 19:18)
“The foreigner who dwells with you shall be to you as one born among you, and you shall love him as yourself for you were foreigners in the land of Egypt.” (Leviticus 19:34)
Buddhism
Please help me find a link to the actual source texts online for the following quotes (instead of the Wikipedia page):
“Hurt not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful.” (Udanavarga 5:18)
“All tremble at violence; life is dear to all. Putting oneself in the place of another, one should not kill nor cause another to kill. One who, while himself seeking happiness, oppresses with violence other beings who also desire happiness, will not attain happiness hereafter.” (Dhammapada: 10:130-131)
Hinduism
“Knowing how painful it is to himself, a person should never do that to others which he dislikes when done to him by others.” (Mahabharata: section 259)
“One should never do that to another which one regards as injurious to one’s own self.” (Mahabharata: section 113).
This text above continues with an explanation of the repercussions of one’s behavior towards others: “When one injures another, the injured turns round and injures the injurer. Similarly, when one cherishes another, that other cherishes the cherisher.” In other words, “What goes around comes around” or “Karma is a bitch”. See also: Karma.
Confucianism
“What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others.” (Analects: 15:24)
Parliament of the World’s Religions
From the document titled “Towards a Global Ethic: An Initial Declaration” by the Parliament of the World’s Religions:
“There is a principle which is found and has persisted in many religious and ethical traditions of humankind for thousands of years: What you do not wish done to yourself, do not do to others. Or in positive terms: What you wish done to yourself, do to others! This should be the irrevocable, unconditional norm for all areas of life, for families and communities, for races, nations, and religions.”
Discussion
The Golden Rule stands out as a remarkable example of a shared ethical foundation across diverse cultures and religions. Despite differences in language, tradition, and theology, the core message remains consistent: empathy and reciprocity are essential for harmonious coexistence.
This principle encourages individuals to consider the impact of their actions on others, fostering compassion, respect, and social cohesion. It serves as a practical guide for daily life, reminding us to treat others with the same dignity and kindness we desire for ourselves. Or at the very least, to refrain from treating others in ways that we ourselves would suffer from if treated in those ways.
In a globalized world marked by cultural and religious diversity, the Golden Rule can offer a common ground for dialogue and mutual understanding. By recognizing this universal value, we can work towards greater toleration, cooperation, and peace—both within our communities and across the world.
For a broader discussion about the ethics of reciprocity, see here.