The Golden Rule

What does the Golden Rule mean? In this poem, three men were asked and while each had different answers the end result is the same. If we all lived according to the golden rule there would be much more peace and happiness in this world. And, if this world is to change it is up to us to be the change and live according to the golden rule!

Updated September 8, 2026, by Catherine Pulsifer.

The Golden Rule

Poet: William Arthur Ward

I asked three men this question yesterday:
"What does the Golden Rule mean most to you?"
One could not hear what each man had to say
Without becoming filled with faith anew.

The one was a man of God indeed
Who serves with consecrated heart and head.
His answer was the keynote of his creed:
"To love thy neighbor as thyself," he said.

The second man, an athlete on the court,
He paused to rest, and wore a handsome smile.
He told the Golden Rule of any sport:
"To me, it means to go the second mile."

The third, a friendly merchant in a store
Was quick to share his thoughts and point of view
To him the Golden Rule is giving more
Than one expects his fellow man to do.

I sought one answer best of all the three,
Then suddenly I clearly understood
The simple truth that each had said to me:
The Golden Rule is living Brotherhood.

Key Reflections from The Golden Rule

Treat others with the same care you would want to receive
The Golden Rule reminds us to think beyond ourselves. When we offer others kindness, patience, and respect, we help make life better for everyone around us.
Love is shown by how we treat people
It is easy to speak about caring for others, but our actions reveal what is truly in our hearts. A thoughtful word, a helping hand, or a little understanding can make a lasting difference.
Be willing to give a little more
The poem encourages us to go beyond what is expected. Giving our time, attention, or encouragement without looking for something in return is one way we can put the Golden Rule into practice.
We can each help make the world better
Peace and goodwill begin with the choices we make each day. We may not be able to change everyone, but we can choose to be kind, fair, and considerate in the way we live.
We are more alike than we sometimes realize
Although the three men in the poem describe the Golden Rule differently, their answers lead to the same truth. When we care for one another and live with compassion, we strengthen the bond we share as people.

Popular Pages

Explore more poems and quotes about family, friendship, brotherhood, and living with kindness and purpose.

Read Poems About Family that celebrate the love, support, and special connections we share with those closest to us.

These Poems About Brotherhood reflect the importance of unity, caring for one another, and standing together through life.

Let these Brotherhood Quotes inspire kindness, understanding, cooperation, and respect for one another.

Share these Brother Poems that celebrate the memories, laughter, and lasting bond shared between brothers.

Find meaningful Brother Quotes about the love, friendship, and support a brother can bring to our lives.

Enjoy Famous Friendship Poems that remind us of the value of loyal friends and the difference they make in our lives.

These Words To Live By offer simple reminders about kindness, character, choices, and living each day with purpose.

Let these Life Is Too Short Quotes encourage you to appreciate today, value others, and make the most of the life you have been given.

Conclusion

The Golden Rule is a simple principle, yet it can make a powerful difference in the way we live. William Arthur Ward reminds us that whether we call it loving our neighbor, going the second mile, or giving more than expected, the message is the same. When we choose kindness, understanding, and generosity, we help create the peace and goodwill we would like to see in the world.

More William Arthur Ward Poems to Motivate and Inspire