The Golden Rule or ethic of reciprocity is a maxim,^[2] ethical code, or morality^[3] that essentially states either of the following:

• (Positive form): One should treat others as one would like others to treat oneself.^[2]
• (Negative/prohibitive form, also called The Silver Rule): One should not treat others in ways that one would not like to be treated.

This concept describes a “reciprocal” or “two-way” relationship between one’s self and others that involves both sides equally and in a mutual fashion.^[4][5]

This concept can be studied from the perspective of psychology, philosophy, sociology, religion, etc.: Psychologically it involves a person empathizing with others. Philosophically it involves a person perceiving their neighbor as also “an I” or “self.”^[4][5] Sociologically, this principle is applicable between individuals, between groups, and between individuals and groups. (For example, a person living by this rule treats all people with consideration, not just members of his or her in-group.) Religion is an integral part of the history of this concept.^[2][6]

As a concept, the Golden Rule has a history that long predates the term ”Golden Rule” (or “Golden law”, as it was called from the 1670s).^[2][7] As a concept of “the ethic of reciprocity,” it has its roots in a wide range of world cultures, and is a standard way that different cultures use to resolve conflicts.^[2][6] It has a long history, and a great number of prominent religious figures and philosophers have restated its reciprocal, “two-way” nature in various ways (not limited to the above forms).^[2]

Statements that mirror the Golden Rule appear in Ancient Egypt in the story of The Eloquent Peasant.^[8] Rushworth Kidder discusses the early contributions of Confucius (551–479 B.C.) (See a version in Confucianism below). Kidder notes that this concept’s framework appears prominently in many religions, including “Hinduism, Buddhism,Taoism, Zoroastrianism, and the rest of the world’s major religions”.^[9] According to Greg M. Epstein, “ ’do unto others’ … is a concept that essentially no religion misses entirely.”^[10] Simon Blackburn also states that the Golden Rule can be “found in some form in almost every ethical tradition”.^[11]