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About this quote

What does it mean?
The Golden Rule captures the ideal spirit of utilitarian ethics by emphasizing empathy and mutual regard.
In plain terms
Treating others how you want to be treated is the core of useful morality.
What can you take from it?
Use the Golden Rule to guide moral choices.

Where it applies

  • moral reasoning
  • religious study
  • ethical education

Putting it to work

  • Apply empathy to decisions
  • Treat others as you wish to be treated

Questions to consider

  • Would I accept this treatment if roles were reversed?
  • Does this action reflect mutual respect?

Another view

The Golden Rule may not address complex conflicts of interest.

More from John Stuart Mill

  1. Few human creatures would consent to be changed into any of the lower animals for a promise of the fullest allowance of a beast's pleasures; no intelligent hum…

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  2. The object of this Essay is to explain as clearly as I am able grounds of an opinion which I have held from the very earliest period when I had formed any opin…

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  3. Human beings have faculties more elevated than the animal appetites, and when once made conscious of them, do not regard anything as happiness which does not i…

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