The (Same-Situation) Golden Rule
The Golden Rule has been around for more than 2,500 years, across at least 13 religions and many cultures. It’s simple and powerful: treat others as you would want to be treated. It promotes justice, cooperation, and unity.
But it’s easy to misuse. A few common traps*:
Literal fallacy: assuming others like what you like.
Soft fallacy: thinking you should never go against someone else’s wishes.
Doormat fallacy: ignoring your own interests.
Third-party fallacy: forgetting how your actions affect more than just you and one other person.
To avoid these, use a consistency test:
If you were in their same situation, would you want this done to you?
Answering well requires two things:
Learn how your behavior affects others.
Imagine what it would be like if you were in their position.
You won’t ever know or imagine perfectly, but striving for that perspective keeps your actions fairer and more conscientious.
When your honest answer doesn’t line up with your behavior, that’s a signal to look for a better way.
The Same-Situation Golden Rule isn’t just about being “nice.” It’s about making decisions that respect both yourself and others in a balanced, constructive way. Applied well, it’s a practical guide for everyday interactions—in work, family, or community—where fairness matters.
* Gensler, Harry J., SJJ; Ethics and the Golden Rule
