English.me

“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”: meaning, origin and examples

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you

What it means

The phrase means that you should treat other people in the same way that you would like to be treated yourself, promoting empathy and fairness.

Tone Advisory and ethical

Where it comes from

The phrase originates from various religious and philosophical traditions, notably found in the Bible in Matthew 7:12 and Luke 6:31, and is considered a fundamental ethical principle.

Examples

  • Before making a decision, consider the Golden Rule: do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
  • She applied the principle of ‘do unto others’ when she helped her colleague, knowing she would appreciate the same support.
  • In resolving conflicts, remember to do unto others as you would have them do unto you, fostering mutual respect.

Spotted a mistake in this article? Tell us