I have no friends...

I have no gay friends.
I have no friends of color.
I have no smart nor dumb friends.
I have no rich or poor friends.
I just have friends.

My friends have no common look.
They share no social status.
Their political views are diverse.
My friends may or may not share a friendship.
They may not even be aware of the others existence.

Although my friends enrich me, they do not provide me with riches.
Some of my friends are needy, but they do not demand my treasure.
I am obliged to my friends, but not obligated by them

My love for them is unconditional.
Of them no gain or loss is counted.

They are and I am.
No other test need be met.

THE Golden rule (or the ethic of reciprocity)

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.  This is a concept with which we are all acquainted.  By all, I do not mean solely Americans of european derivation.  This idea is expressed in different forms throughout the world.  It is not exclusively a biblical product, although you can find it in Luke 6:31. 

The Golden rule is proclaimed in many of the world's holy texts and commentaries.

Islam:  Number 13 of Imam Al-Nawawi's Forty Hadiths says "None of you [truly] believes until he wishes for his brother what he wishes for himself."

Judaism: 

"What is hateful to you, do not to your fellow man. This is the law: all the rest is commentary." Talmud, Shabbat 31a.  "And what you hate, do not do to anyone." Tobit 4:15 Confucianism:  "Do not do to others what you do not want them to do to you" Analects 15:23 Buddhism:  "...a state that is not pleasing or delightful to me, how could I inflict that upon another?" Samyutta NIkaya v. 353 Hurt not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful." Udana-Varga 5:18 Obviously the concept of the Golden rule has been spread throughout the world over millenium.  Why does it seem to be practiced on such a limited scale?  I have conducted no surveys which I would submit to a peer reviewed journal but I have observed many interactions in my lifetime.  Based on these I offer some thoughts. There appear to be some derivatives that are very common.  Do unto others before they do unto you. He who has the gold makes the rules. Each of these strikes me as rather contrary to the spirit of The Golden rule.  The Golden rule neither expressly nor by implication encourages us to treat others as they treat us.  Rather, it encourages us to treat them as we would wish to be treated.  I cannot understand this to mean when I am mistreated I should respond in kind.  Rather, I should engage others with the civility and hospitality I desire.  Whether or not we are aware of the scrutiny under which we act our conduct influences that of others.  Some may emulate us and others may be offended but all our actions have some influence.  We choose to establish the environment in which we live.  I can disagree without being disagreeable.  It is possible to condemn the act without condemning the actor.  Justice and vengeance are not synonyms.  Refusing to employ violence, to act with hate, to debase my fellows, does not require that I endorse reprehensible behavior.  The Golden rule calls for me to act with patience.  I must exercise love in all my behavior.  I must demonstrate a genuine concern for the well-being of my fellow.  I must not be consumed by self interest.  I would hold there is only one human race.  Hence, serving the interest of all the members is in my best interest. I want to be fed.  I want to be clothed.  I want to be sheltered.  I want to be secure in my person and possessions.  I want access to quality health care.  I want access to knowledge and education.  Anything that I want for myself is that which I desire for my fellow.