One should not behave towards others in a way that is disagreeable to oneself. This is the essence of morality. All other activities are due to selfish desire.

Mahabharata (Anusasana Parva)

The Essence of Morality

Topic: Virtue, Morality, & Ethics

“One should not behave towards others in a way that is disagreeable to oneself. This is the essence of morality. All other activities are due to selfish desire.”

Hinduism
Mahabharata (Anusasana Parva)

Wilson, Andrew, editor. World Scripture - a Comparative Anthology of Sacred Texts. Paragon House, 1991, p. 114 [Mahabharata, Anusasana Parva 113.8].