Meaning: Don’t impose on others what you don’t want to do.

From: "The Analects of Confucius Wei Linggong" by Confucius in the Spring and Autumn Period

Original text excerpt:

Zigong asked: "Is there anyone who can say something that can be implemented throughout his life? Confucius said: "Forgive me! Don't do to others what you don't want me to do to you." Confucius said: "Who will destroy me and who will praise me?" It’s a test. This is the reason why the three generations have followed the straight path.” Confucius said: “I am still in the history of Que Wen. There are horses who borrowed people to ride on them, but now they are dead. "

Interpretation:

Zigong asked Confucius: "Is there a word that I can stick to for life?" Confucius replied: "That is forgiveness! , don't impose it on others."

Confucius said: "Who have I slandered? Who have I praised? If I praise him, it must be someone who has tested him. They all did it this way, so the three generations can go straight." Confucius said: "I can also see that there are doubts in the history books. Those who have horses (who don't know how to train them) first let others use them. , this spirit no longer exists today."

Extended information

"Do not do to others what you do not want others to do to you" is an important principle in dealing with interpersonal relationships. What Confucius said is that people should treat others based on their own behavior. People should have a broad mind and never be narrow-minded when dealing with others. Instead, they should be magnanimous and tolerant.

If you force others to do what you don’t want, it will not only damage the relationship with others, but also make things stalemate and get out of hand. This principle should indeed be adhered to in interactions between people. This is a reflection of respecting others and treating others equally. In addition to paying attention to your own existence in life, you must also pay attention to the existence of others. Everyone is equal. Do not do to others what you do not want to do to others.

Confucius’ theory of benevolence embodies the spirit of humanity, while Confucius’ theory of etiquette embodies the spirit of etiquette, that is, order and system in the modern sense. Humanism is an eternal theme of mankind and is applicable to any society, any era, and any government. An orderly and institutional society is the basic requirement for the establishment of a human civilized society. Confucius's spirit of humanism and order is the essence of ancient Chinese social and political thought.

The core content of Confucius' political thought is "propriety" and "benevolence". In terms of the strategy of governing the country, he advocated "governing with virtue" and governing the country with morality and etiquette is the most noble way of governing the country. road. This kind of governance strategy is also called "Government by virtue" or "Government by etiquette". This strategy imparted virtues and etiquette to the people, tightened the hierarchy, and clearly divided the nobility and the common people into the rulers and the ruled. It broke an important original boundary between nobles and common people.

Confucius paid attention to cultural tours and natural tours, and advocated the "view of mountains and rivers comparing morality". Confucius traveled all over the world throughout his life, paying attention to listening and being polite, and pioneered cultural tourism in China. Confucius also focused on understanding the natural journey of mountains and rivers.