Full Idea
Those who are good I treat as good; those who are not good I also treat as good; in doing so I gain in goodness.
Gist of Idea
To gain in goodness, treat as good those who are good, and those who are not
Source
Laozi (Lao Tzu) (Daodejing (Tao Te Ching) [c.530 BCE], II.XLIX.111)
Book Reference
Lao Tzu: 'Tao Te Ching', ed/tr. Lau,D.C. [Penguin 1963], p.110
A Reaction
Socrates (idea 346) and Jesus (Idea 6288) had similar ideas. Who, though, is going to administer justice, and where is the idea that people 'deserve' good or ill treatment? Schoolteachers should treat all children as if they were good.
Related Ideas
Idea 346 One ought not to return a wrong or injury to any person, whatever the provocation [Socrates]
Idea 6288 Don't resist evil, but turn the other cheek [Jesus]