The "Golden Rule"
A Universal Recommendation for Human Conduct
How can we promote the deepest happiness and peace? Here's a sampling of advice from wisdom teachers and traditions from around the world (arranged alphabetically):*
BAHA'I FAITH
"Blessed is he who prefers his brother before himself."
(Baha'u'llah)
BUDDHISM
"Hurt not others with that which pains yourself."
(Buddha, Udana-Varga, 5:18)
CHRISTIANITY
"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the law and the prophets."
(Jesus, Gospel of St. Mathew )
CONFUCIANISM
"What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others."
(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: 13th Hadiths of Nawawi)
JAINISM
"One should treat all creatures in the world as one would like to be treated."
(Mahavira, Stutrakritanga)
JUDAISM
"What is hateful to you, do not to your fellow man. That is the entire law; all the rest is commentary. Go and learn it."
(Hillel)
"MOM and DAD"
"Don't hit. Share. Be nice to each other."
SIOUX NATIVE AMERICAN
"Treat all beings and all things as your own relatives."
SIKHISM
"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, pg. 1299)
TAOISM
"Regard you neighbour's gain as your own gain, and your neighbour's loss as your own loss."
(Lao Tzu, T'ai Shankg Kan Ying P'ien, 213-218)
UNITARIANISM
"We affirm and promote respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part."
ZOROASTRIANISM
"Do not do unto others whatever is injurious to yourself."
(Shayast-na-Shayast 13.29)
*This is the "printable version" page of the Golden Rule quotes, last updated February, 2003.
Site put together by David Ronen of Vancouver, Washington, USA, in hopes that it will help inspire the best in all of us. Thanks especially to Ronnie Smith and Paul McKenna. This site has no commercial ties or institutional affiliations. Health and Happiness to all!
