What is Golden Rule (己所不欲勿施于人)?

Do not impose on others what you do not wish for yourself. The Confucian statement of universal ethical reciprocity. It is stated in the Analects as the single thread running through all of Confucius's teaching, rooted in the virtue of shu (reciprocity) -- using your own heart as a measure for how to treat others.

Key Takeaways

  • Golden Rule (己所不欲勿施于人) is a key concept in Confucianism philosophy.
  • Do not impose on others what you do not wish for yourself. The Confucian statement of universal ethical reciprocity. It is stated in the Analects as the single thread running through all of Confucius's teaching, rooted in the virtue of shu (reciprocity) -- using your own heart as a measure for how to treat others.

Understanding Golden Rule

Golden Rule (己所不欲勿施于人) is a Confucianism concept. Do not impose on others what you do not wish for yourself. The Confucian statement of universal ethical reciprocity. It is stated in the Analects as the single thread running through all of Confucius's teaching, rooted in the virtue of shu (reciprocity) -- using your own heart as a measure for how to treat others.

In Confucianism philosophy, Golden Rule represents fundamental to Confucian ethics and the cultivation of virtue in daily life.

How to Practice Golden Rule

  1. Understand Golden Rule — Do not impose on others what you do not wish for yourself. The Confucian statement of universal ethical reciprocity. It is stated in the Analects as the single thread running through all of Confucius'
  2. The Golden Rule — What you do not wish, do not do to others

Related Concepts

  • Confucius — Confucius stated the Golden Rule as the core of ethical conduct

Further Reading

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Golden Rule in Confucianism?

Do not impose on others what you do not wish for yourself. The Confucian statement of universal ethical reciprocity. It is stated in the Analects as the single thread running through all of Confucius's teaching, rooted in the virtue of shu (reciproci

What does 己所不欲勿施于人 mean?

己所不欲勿施于人 (Golden Rule) is a Confucianism concept. Do not impose on others what you do not wish for yourself. The Confucian statement of universal ethical reciprocity. It is stated in the Analects as the single thread running through all of Confucius'

How does Golden Rule fit into Confucianism philosophy?

In Confucianism, Golden Rule is understood as fundamental to Confucian ethics and the cultivation of virtue in daily life.

How is Golden Rule related to Confucius?

Golden Rule is closely connected to Confucius within Confucianism philosophy. Together they form a coherent framework for understanding fundamental to Confucian ethics and the cultivation of virtue in daily life.

Why is Golden Rule important?

Golden Rule matters because it offers a practical framework for fundamental to Confucian ethics and the cultivation of virtue in daily life.

Part of the Oriens guide to Confucianism philosophy. Last updated July 22, 2026.