What is the origin of the golden rule?

Answer 1

The sentiment behind the Golden Rule of moral reciprocity is an ancient idea:

"Do not impose on others what you do not wish for yourself."

-Confucius, circa 500 BCE

The Golden Rule "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" is also a paraphrase of a line from Matthew 7:12 in the New Testament.

The Sage Hillel, an elder contemporary of Jesus of Nazareth, formulated a negative form of the golden rule. When asked to sum up the entire Torah concisely, he answered:

"That which is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow. That is the whole Torah; the rest is the explanation; go and learn."

-Talmud, Shabbat 31a, the "Great Principle"

Additional Answer:

Nearly every religion or ethic system has a form of the 'Golden Rule.' Consider this biblical verse issued to Moses for the children of Israel circa 1446 BC:

Leviticus 19:18

New International Version (NIV)

18 "'Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.

Answer 2

It goes back so far in various versions that it is impossible to tell. The sacred writings of every major religion and almost all the minor ones include an admonition to "do unto others as you would have them do unto you" in one way or another.

Additional information:

According to The Bible, Jesus taught what's called 'the golden rule" (Matthew 5:2) in the Sermon on the Mount.

(Matthew 7:12) "All things, therefore, that YOU want men to do to YOU, YOU also must likewise do to them; this, in fact, is what the Law and the Prophets mean."(Luke 6:31)(Galatians 5:14)(1 Timothy 1:5)

But the concept of this law of love, came from God (1John 4:8) Leviticus 19:18,34

(Luke 10:27) (Matthew 22:39)'You must love your neighbor as yourself.'(Mark 12:31)

(Romans 13:9-10) ". . .whatever other commandment there is, is summed up in this word, namely, "You must love your neighbor as yourself." Love does not work evil to one's neighbor; therefore love is the law's fulfillment."

Answer 3

Treat others like you'd like to be treated: Mother Teresa, I believe

Answer 4

Socrates, Jesus