——Cited in "Lectures at the Kolber Foundation in Germany", etc

■Interpretation

Some people say that this sentence of Confucius is the "golden rule of morality" in traditional Chinese ethics. Compared with the universally recognized "golden rule of morality" in Western ethics - "do unto others as you would like to be treated", "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" abandons egocentrism and embodies stronger self-responsibility and moral constraints, which is not only the intrinsic character of Chinese civilization, but also represents China's imagination of the world order. Comrade Xi Jinping has repeatedly stressed that China does not agree with the outdated logic of "a strong country must be hegemonic". In today's world, the old road of colonialism and hegemonism is not only impossible, but will also be ruined. The world needs peace, just as people need air, just as all things need sunlight to grow. Only peaceful development is the right path for mankind. Over the past decades, China has always adhered to an independent foreign policy of peace. In the current international relations, all countries need to uphold this "golden rule of morality" and work together to safeguard world peace, so as to move towards a common future in peaceful development.

■Original text

Zigong asked: "Who has a word that can be practiced for life?" Zi said: "Its 'forgiveness'! Do unto others as you would have them do to you. ”

——(Spring and Autumn) Confucius, "The Analects of Wei Linggong"

■Definition

"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" was Confucius' answer to the question of his disciple Zigong. Zigong asked, "Is there a word that can be practiced for life?" Confucius replied, "It should be forgiven." Don't impose on others what you don't want to do. This sentence is the other way around, when you ask others to do something, you are first willing to do it yourself, which is what Confucius said, "You want to establish people, and you want to reach people."

"Do not do unto others as you would have them do unto you" also appears in "The Analects of Yan Yuan". This is what Confucius said to his disciple Zhong Gong. Zhong Gong asked Ren, and Confucius replied: "When you go out, you will see a great guest, and the people will be like a great sacrifice." Do unto others as you would have them do to you. No complaints in the state, no complaints at home. ”

Regarding "do not do to others what you do not want to be done to yourself", Zhu Xi's "Commentary on the Analects" interprets it as: "Push yourself and things." That is to say, use your own mind to deduce the minds of others, and put yourself in the shoes of others. This sentence reveals an important principle in dealing with interpersonal relationships: when dealing with others, we should empathize with our hearts and empathize. Therefore, Confucius advocated the Tao of "forgiveness" and advocated forgiveness towards others.