The Golden Rule That Ties Us All Together
The Golden Rule – treat others as you would like them to treat you – is also known as the ‘Ethic of Reciprocity‘. It has been a value held by human societies for thousands of years and is found worldwide throughout cultures, religions, secular philosophies and indigenous traditions.
It reveals a profound unity underlying the rich diversity of human experience. With its emphasis on mutuality, interdependence and reciprocity, it is a simple but effective guide for respectful and harmonious co-existence.
The Golden Rule
Lay not on any soul a load that you would not wish to be laid upon you, and desire not for anyone the things you would not desire for yourself.
Treat not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful.
The Buddha, Udana-Varga 5.18
In everything, do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets.
Jesus, Matthew 7:12
One word which sums up the basis of all good conduct….loving-kindness. Do not do to others what you do not want done to yourself.
Confucius, Analects 15.23
This is the sum of duty: do not do to others what would cause pain if done to you.
One should treat all creatures in the world as one would like to be treated.
Mahavira, Sutrakritanga 1.11.33
What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour. This is the whole Torah; all the rest is commentary. Go and learn it.
Hillel, Talmud, Shabbath 31a
We are as much alive as we keep the earth alive.
Chief Dan George
I am a stranger to no one; and no one is a stranger to me. Indeed, I am a friend to all.
Guru Granth Sahib, p.1299
Regard your neighbour’s gain as your own gain and your neighbour’s loss as your own loss.
Lao Tzu, T’ai Shang Kan Ying P’ien, 213-218
We affirm and promote respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.
Do not do unto others whatever is injurious to yourself.
Source: Scarboro Missions