Analects 12.2 · Yan Yuan
“Do not impose on others what you yourself do not desire.”
Meaning, context, and how to apply it today
己所不欲 勿施於人 (jǐ suǒ bù yù, wù shī yú rén) means “Do not impose on others what you yourself do not desire.” It is a passage from the Analects of Confucius, Book 12 (Yan Yuan), Chapter 2.
己所不欲 勿施於人
- Pinyin
- jǐ suǒ bù yù, wù shī yú rén
- Translation
- Do not impose on others what you yourself do not desire.
- Source
- Analects, Book 12 (Yan Yuan), Chapter 2
What does this passage mean?
Appearing in both Yan Yuan and Wei Ling Gong, this passage is often called the Golden Rule of Confucian ethics. It means not imposing on others what one does not desire oneself. When Zigong asked for one word he could practice throughout his life, Confucius answered with reciprocity—a forgiving consideration for others—and explained it through this sentence.
How can we apply it today?
The principle is universal, resonating with the Christian Golden Rule and Kant’s categorical imperative. Before gossiping at work, ask how you would feel hearing the same words about yourself; before making an unreasonable demand, ask how it would feel to stand in the other person’s place. This one simple principle can resolve most conflicts in relationships. Empathy begins by exchanging places in the imagination.
Questions to reflect on
- ·Have you recently done to someone else something you would dislike receiving?
- ·Do you habitually consider the other person’s perspective?
- ·Why is this simple principle difficult to practice in daily life?
Character-by-character breakdown
| Character | Pinyin | Meaning | Strokes | Radical |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 己 | jǐ | oneself | 3 | 己 (self) |
| 所 | suǒ | that which | 8 | 戶 (door) |
| 不 | bù | not | 4 | 一 (one) |
| 欲 | yù | hope for | 11 | 欠 (lack) |
| 勿 | wù | do not | 4 | 勹 (wrap) |
| 施 | shī | bestow | 9 | 方 (square) |
| 於 | yú | at; in | 8 | 方 (square) |
| 人 | rén | person | 2 | 人 (person) |
Frequently asked questions
Q. What does “Do not impose on others what you yourself…” mean?
己所不欲 勿施於人 (jǐ suǒ bù yù, wù shī yú rén) means “Do not impose on others what you yourself do not desire.” It comes from the Analects, Book 12 (Yan Yuan), Chapter 2.
Q. Where does this passage appear in the Analects?
It is Analects 12.2: Book 12 (Yan Yuan), Chapter 2.
Q. How can this teaching be applied today?
The principle is universal, resonating with the Christian Golden Rule and Kant’s categorical imperative.