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 earliest form of the Golden Rule in religion dates prior to Confucianism and Buddhism. Confucius is attributed with a statement in the 6th Century BCE that one should not extend harm to others which one would not wish for one’s self. Buddhism documents also dating from the 6th century BCE include the quote “Hurt not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful.”

Hindu religious aspects that include the teaching of Karma also date to the 6th century BCE or earlier and include in the Mahabharata the prescriptive to “Do not unto others which would cause pain if done to you” (5:15:17).

The Torah also includes the prescriptive dated at about 1400 BCE as “Love thy neighbor as thyself” (Leviticus 19:18). In Islam, Mohammed’s Farewell Sermon includes the statement, “Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you.”

The sentiment behind the Golden Rule can also seen as expressed by Homer in either the 8th or 9th century BCE. In the Odyssey, a character states “I will be as careful for you as I should be for myself in the same need” (Book 5 Verses 184-191). Thus some form of the Golden Rule seems inherent in most forms of philosophy and religion.

Not every Golden Rule is equal. Sometimes “others” meant others like you. So for example, the Jewish neighbor was a Jew. However, Jesus certainly stretches this in his version of the Golden Rule by including the parable of the Good Samaritan. Thus “others” includes not only Jews but also gentiles.

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.