expression
treat others as they treat you; an eye for an eye
Proverb meaning that if someone is harsh to you, you will be harsh in return. It expresses a reciprocal, tit-for-tat attitude. The phrasing is classical and literary.
「人我に辛ければ我また人に辛し」という考え方は、恨みの連鎖を生むこともある。
The idea of 'treat others as they treat you' can sometimes create a chain of resentment.
目には目を is a more common modern expression for 'an eye for an eye', often used in legal or moral contexts, whereas this proverb is a longer, classical statement about personal conduct.
A classical Japanese proverb. The exact origin is uncertain, but it reflects a traditional moral view on reciprocity.