Do Unto Others

Mark Clifton's "Do Unto Others" explores a fascinating collision between Earth philosophy and alien civilization. When a nephew caught between his aunt's rigid morality and his own carefree existence encounters the thoughtful inhabitants of Capella IV, the Golden Rule takes on unexpected consequences. Hapland "Happy" Graves has never quite met his formidable Aunt Mattie's standards—she's the wealthy, principled president of the Daughters of Terra, and he's the perpetual disappointment. Yet when Aunt Mattie's lifelong passion for collecting universal flora leads to contact with an alien species devoted to ethical philosophy, Happy finds himself at the center of a profound question: what happens when an advanced civilization takes humanity's moral teachings entirely at face value? This thought-provoking science fiction story, originally published in *If Worlds of Science Fiction*, examines themes of morality, cultural misunderstanding, and the gap between ideals and reality. Clifton masterfully weaves humor and social commentary into a narrative that challenges readers to consider whether civilization and conscience always align. Perfect for listeners who enjoy classic science fiction with philosophical depth, "Do Unto Others" offers both entertainment and intellectual engagement. Ideal for those seeking stories that blend character-driven narratives with speculative concepts about humanity's place in the cosmos.