Zigong said, “What I don’t want done to me, I don’t want to do to others.”
Confucius said, “Zigong, this is beyond you.”
Reciprocity
12.2
Zhonggong asked Confucius about humaneness.
Confucius replied, “When you go out into the world, conduct yourself as if you’re receiving an honored guest. Employ the people as if you’re conducting a great ceremony. Don’t impose on others what you wouldn’t want for yourself. In this way, you won’t stir up resentment in public or in your own household.”
Zhonggong said, “Even though I’m not that clever, I’ll apply myself to this.”
15.24
Zigong asked, “Is there a single principle that can guide our actions throughout life?”
Confucius replied, “Wouldn’t that be reciprocity? Don’t impose on others what you wouldn’t want them to impose on you.”