The Golden Rule is often thought of as originating in Christianity with the Biblical verse “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” (Matthew 7:12). Actually, some version of the Golden Rule exists far prior to Christianity. It is in fact a common belief held in some form by most world religions.
The Golden Rule was a common principle in ancient Greek philosophy. A few examples:
“Do not to your neighbor what you would take ill from him.”
“Avoid doing what you would blame others for doing.”
“What you wish your neighbors to be to you, such be also to them.”
“Do not do to others what would anger you if done to you by others.”
“What thou avoidest suffering thyself seek not to impose on others.”
In general, however, the intent of the Golden Rule is to promote empathy. By considering how kindly we might like to be treated, we then can be empathetic in the treatment of others. This is not always easy to follow. Some have little experience with being treated well, and can’t understand what that would mean for themselves or others.
The Golden Rule may also be called the ethic of reciprocity. As such, it generally means one should behave to others in the same way one wishes to be treated. However, the Golden Rule or ethic of reciprocity is not a guarantee that one will get ideal treatment. Instead it is a hope that possibly, someday, each person will treat everyone else with kindness and will receive kindness from others.
