Do not impose on others what you do not want yourself. That is the “way of being considerate” advocated by Confucius（551-479 BC）. It calls for using one’s own mind to infer and understand other people’s minds. In today’s words, it means to put oneself into others’ shoes or to think from their positions. Its philosophical basis lies in the similarity of people’s basic natures. It is an important principle put forth by Confucians to govern inter-personal relationships, and is now extended to international relationship management to counter power politics. Its essential elements are benevolence, equality, and tolerance.

Confucius said, “Human nature is similar at birth, only made different by the environment.” (The Analects)

Zigong asked, “Is there any teaching that can serve as a lasting principle for conduct in one’s whole life?” Confucius replied, “Surely that is to be considerate! Do not do to others what you do not want others to do to you.” (The Analects)