Golden Rule - Universal Principle of Reciprocity
Across nearly all major traditions, a fundamental ethical principle emerges: treat others as you wish to be treated. This principle emphasizes compassion, mutual respect, and ethical reciprocity in human relationships.
Matthew 7:12
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”
Jesus' direct teaching of the Golden Rule as a summation of all moral law.
Leviticus 19:18
“Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Foundational principle cited by Rabbi Hillel as the essence of the entire Torah.
Hadith, Sahih al-Bukhari 1.13
“None of you believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.”
Prophet Muhammad's teaching that faith requires extending the same care to others.
Udana 5.1
“I am I, and these are they. Why should I hurt these? Harming not one's own self, how can I harm the other? Harming not the other, how can I harm my own self?”
Buddha's teaching that harm to others ultimately harms oneself through the law of karma.
Mahabharata 5.15.17
“This is the sum of duty: do naught unto others which would cause you pain if done unto you.”
Reciprocal ethics embedded in the law of dharma (duty).
Tao Te Ching 15
“The ancient sages were profound and wise. Their depth is immeasurable. Because their depth is immeasurable, they could only be described by their appearance.”
Taoist principle of treating others with the wisdom and compassion one would desire.
Guru Granth Sahib 1-26
“Treat all humans as you would treat yourself, see the divine in each person.”
The core Sikh principle of recognizing divine presence in all beings.