There Are Seven Moral Rules That Unite Humanity

 Introduction

Despite the vast diversity of cultures, religions, and traditions across the globe, there exists a surprising and profound moral commonality among human societies. For centuries, philosophers and anthropologists have debated whether moral values are universal or culturally relative. In recent years, a growing body of cross-cultural research, particularly from evolutionary psychology and anthropology, has suggested that there are indeed certain core moral rules that are recognized, in some form, in every human society. These are not just social constructs—they may be rooted in our evolutionary history, enabling cooperation, harmony, and survival.

 

A landmark 2019 study led by anthropologist Oliver Scott Curry and his colleagues identified seven moral rules that appear to be universal. These moral imperatives are found across 60 different societies and reflect shared values that bind humanity together. Let's delve into each of these seven moral rules and explore their significance.

 

1. Help Your Group

Humans are inherently social beings. Across cultures, there is a strong emphasis on loyalty and altruism toward one’s in-group—whether that is family, tribe, nation, or religious community. Helping members of your group strengthens social bonds, ensures mutual aid, and builds trust. From family obligations in East Asian cultures to the emphasis on tribal solidarity in Indigenous societies, helping one’s own is a universal principle.

 

This rule fosters cooperation and a sense of identity. It also lays the groundwork for moral systems based on kinship, nationalism, and communal responsibility.

 

2. Return Favors

Reciprocity is the foundation of many human relationships. Societies around the world value those who repay kindness and shun those who are ungrateful or freeloaders. This moral rule ensures that people do not exploit one another and that mutual benefit is sustained over time.

 

The concept of the "golden rule"—treat others as you want to be treated—is one of the clearest expressions of this moral value. It underpins systems of justice, economics, and even friendship.

 

3. Be Brave

Courage is revered in virtually every culture. Whether it is facing physical danger, standing up for beliefs, or protecting others, bravery is a trait that communities universally admire. Warriors, defenders, and heroes often become central figures in cultural narratives and history.

 

Being brave often involves putting the needs of others above one’s own fear, which reinforces social cohesion and the protection of the group. It’s also linked to virtues such as honor and sacrifice.

 

4. Defer to Authority

Respect for authority and hierarchy is a moral principle embedded in cultures across the globe. It enables order, governance, and societal structure. From the Confucian reverence for elders to the tribal respect for chiefs, this value ensures that communities can function without descending into chaos.

While this rule can sometimes be abused, it also plays a stabilizing role, especially in traditional and communal societies where leadership is essential for survival and coordination.

 

5. Be Fair

Fairness—treating people justly and without bias—is at the heart of most legal and ethical systems. People everywhere recognize the injustice of cheating, stealing, or breaking promises. In evolutionary terms, fairness promotes trust and cooperation, making groups more resilient.

 

Fairness is not just about equality; it’s also about proportionality—rewarding effort and contribution. It can be seen in tribal gift exchanges, modern justice systems, and children's intuitive sense of what’s “not fair.”

 

6. Respect Others’ Property

Property rights are a moral constant. From personal belongings to shared resources, nearly all societies teach the importance of not stealing or destroying what belongs to others. This rule underlies systems of trade, ownership, and economic stability.

 

Respecting property helps avoid conflict and ensures long-term cooperation. Even in communal societies, where ownership may be collective, the boundaries of what belongs to whom are still well understood and respected.

 

7. Love Your Family

The family is the primary unit of society, and love for family is a universal moral imperative. Caring for children, honoring parents, supporting siblings—these behaviors are present in every culture. They ensure the survival of offspring, the transmission of knowledge, and the nurturing of the next generation.

 

This rule ties deeply into our biology and psychology. Attachment to kin fosters emotional support, resilience, and the continuity of social values.

 

Why These Rules Matter

These seven moral rules are more than just cultural coincidences—they represent the evolved strategies of a species that thrives on cooperation and community. While their specific expressions may vary (e.g., bowing to elders in Japan vs. shaking hands in the West), the underlying principles are the same. They offer a moral map that transcends borders and beliefs.

 

In an increasingly globalized and polarized world, recognizing the common ethical ground we share could be crucial for peacebuilding, diplomacy, and mutual understanding. Rather than focusing on our differences, these shared moral foundations highlight our deep interconnectedness as human beings.

 

Conclusion

The idea that there are seven moral rules that unite humanity provides a powerful reminder of our shared human heritage. Across continents and cultures, we help our groups, return favors, show bravery, respect authority, value fairness, honor property, and love our families. These rules form the moral glue of society and point to a universal moral grammar that has helped humans build complex civilizations.

 

By understanding and embracing these common values, we can foster greater empathy and cooperation in an increasingly divided world. In the end, what unites us morally may be far greater than what divides us culturally.