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About this quote

What does it mean?
Shaw critiques the Golden Rule, noting that projecting your desires onto others ignores their different preferences.
In plain terms
Don't treat others how you want to be treated; they might want different things.
What can you take from it?
Consider others' preferences instead of assuming they match yours.

Where it applies

  • relationships
  • negotiations
  • daily kindness

Putting it to work

  • ask preferences
  • avoid assumptions
  • practice empathy

Questions to consider

  • How should we treat others?
  • Do preferences matter?

Another view

This complicates a simple moral rule without offering a clear replacement.

More from George Bernard Shaw

  1. The golden rule is that there are no golden rules.

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  2. Democracy substitutes election by the incompetent many for appointment by the corrupt few.[1]

    Permalink to quote #112
  3. There are two tragedies in life. One is to lose your heart's desire. The other is to get it.

    Permalink to quote #109

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