Four Books

Only the man of humanity knows how to love people, and knows how to hate people.

For when there is not a private or selfish heart and mind, then only after this do likes and dislikes properly align with reason (li 理, principles of nature). This is what Chengzi called “obtaining one’s public rectification.” ¹

– Zhu Xi 朱熹

蓋無私心，然後好惡當於理，程子所謂「得其公正」是也。

To love goodness and hate wickedness is a common sentiment among all under Heaven. Yet, there are people who frequently lose their impartiality, having hearts that are bound, and are unable to restrain themselves. Only the man of humanity (ren 仁, benevolence), without a selfish heart, is thus capable of loving and hating [appropriately].

– You Zuo 游酢²

好善而惡惡，天下之同情，然人每失其正者，心有所繫而不能自克也。惟仁者無私心，所以能好惡也。

Character notes by Zhu Xi: Wei 唯 (“only”) in this context means ‘solely’ (獨).

Pronunciation notes by Zhu Xi: Both hao 好 (“love”) and e 惡 (“hate”) are falling tone.

¹ Zhu Xi uses opposites: 私 (“private”) and 公 (“public”), to contrast the selfish v.s. impartial 心 ("heart and mind"). For more explanation, and an example of Kongzi’s man of humanity in politics, see the Great Learning, verse 14. Also, note that this version of the saying uses 愛 instead of 好.

² You Zuo 游酢, 1053-1123, was a Neo-Confucian scholar-official and philosopher, a famous disciple of Cheng Brothers who was influenced by Buddhist thought and the Book of Changes.