Chapter 11 – Loving One’s Neighbor as Oneself – Item 4

Loving one’s neighbor as oneself; doing unto others what we would want them to do unto us is the most complete expression of charity there is, because it sums up all our duties toward our neighbor. One could not have a surer guide in this respect than the commandment that one should do unto others what one desires for oneself. By what right would one demand from one’s fellow beings better behavior, more indulgence, benevolence and dedication than what one shows toward them? The practice of these two maxims leads to the destruction of selfishness. When humans take them as a rule for their conduct and as a foundation for their institutions, they will understand true fraternity and will ensure that peace and justice reign among them. There will be neither hatred nor dissention, but only unity, harmony and mutual benevolence.