The Golden Rule or ethic of reciprocity is a maxim,[1] ethical code or morality[2] that essentially states either of the following:
One should treat others as one would like others to treat oneself. (Directive form.)[1]
One should not treat others in ways that one would not like to be treated (Cautionary form, also known as the Silver Rule).[1]
This concept describes a "reciprocal", or "two-way", relationship between one's self and others that involves both sides equally, and in a mutual fashion..