On The Golden Rule
The ethical principle of reciprocity — treat others as you wish to be treated (positive form) or do not do what you would not want done to you (negative form). Found in virtually every major religious tradition, sometimes called the most universal religious teaching.
What every account tells.
- iReciprocity as the foundation of ethics
- iiOften stated as a summary of the entire moral law
How each tradition tells it.
Positive form: 'Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them' (Matt 7:12). Called by Jesus 'the law and the prophets'.
Hillel (1st c. BCE): 'What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour. This is the whole Torah; the rest is commentary.' (Talmud Shabbat 31a)
Hadith of the Prophet: 'None of you truly believes until he wishes for his brother what he wishes for himself.' (Bukhari, Muslim)
Mahabharata: 'This is the sum of duty; do naught unto others what you would not have them do unto you.'
Udana-Varga: 'Hurt not others in ways you yourself would find hurtful.'
T'ai Shang Kan Ying P'ien: 'Regard your neighbour's gain as your own gain and your neighbour's loss as your own loss.'