THE GOLDEN RULE

Baha’i Faith

Lay not on any soul a load that you would not wish to be laid upon you, and desire not for anyone the things you would not desire for yourself.
- Baha’u’llah, Gleanings

Buddhism

Treat not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful.
- The Buddha, Udana-Varga 5.18

Christianity

In everything, do unto others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets.
- Jesus, Matthew 7:12 (NRSV)

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.
- Confucias, 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.
- The Prophet 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.
- Guru Granth Sahib, p.1299

Taoism

Regard your neighbor’s gain as your own gain and your neighbor’s loss as your own loss.
- Lao Tzu, T’ai Shang Kan Ying P’ien, 213-218

Unitarianism

We affirm and promote respect for the independent web of all existence of which we are a part.
- Unitarian Principle

Yoruban Indigenous Tradition

One going to take a pointed stick to pinch a baby bird should first try it on himself to feel how it hurts.
- Yoruban Proverb

Zoroastrianism

Do not do unto others whatever is injurious to yourself.
- Shayast-na-Shayast 13.29