仁者爱人

Pinyin:rén zhě ài rén

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📖 Meaning

The benevolent love others.

📜 Origin

《孟子》

💡 Detailed Explanation

"The benevolent person loves others" comes from Mencius, "Li Lou II," and is one of the core propositions of Confucian thought. Literally, it means "a person of benevolence cares for others." Its deeper meaning lies in the Confucian view that "benevolence" is the highest moral principle, and its essence is loving others, that is, harboring sincere compassion, respect, and care toward others. This love is not an indiscriminate universal love, but one based on blood ties and family affection, extending from oneself to others, and expanding from loving one's relatives to loving others and all things. It is often used in contexts involving moral cultivation, interpersonal relationships, leadership, or education, emphasizing the treatment of people and matters with a benevolent heart. In terms of cultural background, it embodies the Confucian ideal of "benevolent governance" and "rule by virtue," and complements the principle of reciprocity expressed in "Do not do to others what you do not want done to yourself." Its emotional tone is positive, solemn yet warm, and it is often used in formal or argumentative contexts to encourage people to cultivate benevolence and practice care.

📝 Example

1. As a teacher, he always upholds the principle that a benevolent person loves others, caring not only about students' academic progress but also about their physical and mental well-being. 2. In corporate management, if leaders can practice the spirit that a benevolent person loves others and respect every employee, team cohesion will naturally be greatly enhanced.