The Golden Rule of Empathy

Whenever we consider proper behavior, it is easy to discover a universal rule—mentally embodying the golden rule of reciprocity.

Imagine first experiencing every action directed at you: if it happened to you, would you agree to it?

This simple yet powerful idea helps shape our worldview and guides our actions, making them fair and thoughtful.

At the heart of this approach lies the ability to empathize and the desire to respect others just as we wish to be respected ourselves. By reflecting on the consequences of our actions, we learn to avoid behaviors that might cause pain or discomfort to those around us. This method not only prevents harm but also creates an environment where everyone receives the attention and care they deserve. It is not so much a set of rules as it is a pursuit of sincere respect and understanding, laying the foundation for proper interpersonal relationships.

In conclusion, if each of us followed this simple logic, the world around us would move closer to the ideal of justice and goodness. By mirroring our own expectations for others’ actions, we strengthen our confidence in our decisions and build a society where everyone feels supported and cared for. This universal principle inspires us to pursue daily self-improvement and strive for more harmonious relationships, playing a key role on the path to personal and spiritual perfection.

Are There Universal Criteria for Determining Improper Behavior?

In the text from source link txt, a universal principle is detailed that can serve as a criterion for determining improper behavior. The principle is as follows: before performing any action, consider how you would feel if the same action were directed at you. In other words, if you would not want a certain action done to you, then you should not do it to others. This approach suggests that morality can be assessed through the level of empathy and adherence to the principle of reciprocity: by acting fairly and respectfully towards others, you avoid doing what you would consider wrong if it were done to you.

Thus, it can be argued that the criterion lies in reflecting on the consequences of one’s behavior for other people. If your action can cause pain, harm, or discomfort to another person, then it may be considered improper according to this universal approach.

Supporting citation(s):
"If you feel like killing someone, think: would it be good if you were killed? That means killing is not allowed. If you feel like taking something that is poorly left, then think: if you negligently leave something and someone takes it, or even if you simply lose something, would that be good for you? That means taking someone else’s belongings is not allowed. Do you like being spoken to rudely? You don’t. Therefore, you should also try not to speak rudely. And so on in everything. This is a universal principle. Many of us often do not know how to behave. But you must consider whether your action will sadden your brother, whether it will benefit or cause him harm, irritation, or distress. And whatever you do not want for yourself, under no circumstances should you do to another." (source: link txt)

"If you always act in this way, then you will be treated the same. No, not every person adheres to this principle in life, but if you wish to attain the Kingdom of Heaven, you must always act like this, otherwise you will sin. Sin is a deviation from God, and a person who violates God's will sins. Therefore, every time we do to another what we would not want done to us, we commit a sin. For example, when we begin to scold someone. But if we ourselves do not like it when we are scolded, when our faults are pointed out, or when we are corrected, then we should not do that either." (source: link txt)