The Golden Rule or ethic of reciprocity is a moral maxim or principle of altruism found in many human cultures and religions. All human beings may relate to this maxim as fundamental to their human make up. The maxim may appear as either a positive or negative injunction governing conduct. Please note:

One should treat others as one would like others to treat oneself (positive or directive form).

One should not treat others in ways that one would not like to be treated (negative or prohibitive form).

What you wish upon others, you wish upon yourself (empathic or responsive form).

So, it is good to remember that the Golden Rule is not a panacea. The Golden Rule can only help guide in identifying morally relevant differences in any given situation.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org