Golden Rules Galore

by Gordon Coates

May 2011

There is nothing original in this "philosophical musing" - it is simply a collection of quotations which I think worth musing over.

The so-called "Golden Rule" is really the same in all religions. (The nine examples given below are, incidentally, listed in purely alphabetical order!)

Buddhism

"Treat not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful."

- Buddha, Udana-Varga 5.18

Christianity

"Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets."

- Jesus, Matthew 7:12

Confucianism

"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

Hinduism

"This is the sum of duty: do not do to others what would cause pain if done to you."

- Mahabharata 5:1517

Islam

"Not one of you truly believes until you wish for others what you wish for yourself."

- Muhammad, Hadith

Jainism

"One should treat all creatures in the world as one would like to be treated."

- Mahavira, Sutrakritanga 1.11.33

Judaism

"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

Sikhism

"I am a stranger to no one; and no one is a stranger to me. Indeed, I am a friend to all."

- Granth, p.1299

Taoism

"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

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