Don’t do to others what you don’t want others to do to you, which means don’t impose on others what you don’t like. From "The Analects of Confucius - Chapter 12 of Yan Yuan".

Original source:

Zhong Gong asked Ren. Confucius said: "When you go out, you feel like you are meeting a distinguished guest, and when you treat your people, you feel like you are receiving a great sacrifice. Don't do to others what you don't want others to do to you. There is no resentment in the country, and no resentment at home." Zhong Gong said: "Although Yong is not sensitive, he asks for things like this. ”

Translation:

Zhong Gong asked how to be benevolent. Confucius said: "When going out to do business, it is like receiving distinguished guests, and when dealing with the people, it is like going to perform important sacrifices. They must be serious and solemn. Don't impose on others what you don't want. Make sure that no one in the court of the princes resents you; in the court of the princes, you must be careful and solemn. No one in the doctor's fiefdom resented him. "Zhong Gong said, "Although I am stupid, I will do what you say."

Extended information:

Confucius said, "I am stupid." "Don't do to others what you don't want others to do to you" means using your own heart to push others away. How you want to live, think of how others want to live; if you don't want others to treat you the way you want, don't treat others that way.

In short, start from your own heart and extend it to others to understand and treat others. To put it simply, it means to apply oneself to others. It means the same thing as what we often say: put yourself in others' shoes.

This sentence is not only liked by Chinese people, but also a famous saying praised by Western philosophers. In Western societies that advocate democracy, Confucius's words are full of kindness and understanding, which naturally wins their favor. However, in modern society, people often want to be the center and forget the original meaning of Confucius's words.