What does it take to achieve peace? I think the best answer on an individual level is to
follow the ethic of reciprocity, the principle known as the Golden Rule.
This ethic of reciprocity is a version of Immanuel Kant’s categorical imperative, which says: “”Act only according to that maxim whereby you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law.”
All the major religions in the world have provided such guidance. For example, the Talmud (Shabbat 3id) says: “What is hateful to you, do not do to your fellowman. This is the entire Law; all the rest is commentary.”
The Christian Bible (Matthew 7:1) says: All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye so to them; for this is the law and the prophets.”
In Islam, Mohammed’s message in the Sunnah is: “No one of you is a believer until he desires for his brother that which he desires for himself.”
In Buddhism, we find (Udana-Varga 5,): “Hurt not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful.”
Dr. Kathie Malley-Morrison, Professor of Psychology
Note: This post was adapted from my previously published article in Peace Psychology (a publication of the American Psychological Association), Spring, 2009.