The ethic of reciprocity or "The Golden Rule" is a fundamental moral principle which simply means "treat others as you would like to be treated." It is arguably the most essential basis for the modern concept of human rights. Principal philosophers and religious figures have stated it in different ways.

Ethical teaching interprets the Golden Rule as mutual respect for one's neighbor (rather than as a deontological or consequentialist rule.) Many people have criticized the golden rule; George Bernard Shaw once said that "The golden rule is that there are no golden rules". Shaw also criticized the golden rule, "Do not do unto others as you would expect they should do unto you. Their tastes may not be the same" (Maxims for Revolutionists). "The golden rule is a good standard which is further improved by doing unto others, wherever possible, as they want to be done by" Karl Popper (The Open Society and Its Enemies, Vol. 2).

A key element of the ethic of reciprocity is that a person attempting to live by this rule treats all people, not just members of his or her in-group, with consideration.

The Golden Rule was a common principle in ancient Greek philosophy. A few examples:

"Do not to your neighbor what you would take ill from him." (Pittacus)

"Avoid doing what you would blame others for doing." (Thales)

"What you wish your neighbors to be to you, such be also to them." (Pythagorean)

"Do not do to others what would anger you if done to you by others." (Isocrates)

"What thou avoidest suffering thyself seek not to impose on others." (Epictetus)

— from Wikipedia

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