The Analects – Chapter 69 (4.3, 4.4). Impartial judgment rooted in benevolence

4.3, 4.4

Of the adage “Only a benevolent man knows how to like people, knows how to dislike them,” the Master said, “If the will be set on virtue, there will be no practice of wickedness.”

子曰：「唯仁者能好人，能惡人。」

子曰：「苟志於仁矣，無惡也。」

Notes

This passage from the Analects tells that Benevolence is not merely the refinement of emotion; it is the supreme standard for moral judgment.

Only those whose hearts are filled with benevolence and who are rooted in benevolence can transcend selfish desires to make impartial judgments. Such individuals alone possess the qualification and capacity to discern what deserves love or aversion justly.

Those who dedicate themselves to pursuing benevolence fundamentally lack the motive to commit evil.

“A noble person cannot abandon benevolence to maintain their reputation. They uphold benevolence unconditionally — even in moments of urgency and in times of turmoil.” (Analects 4.5)

“A scholar with lofty ideals and a man of benevolence will not preserve his life at the expense of benevolence; instead, he will sacrifice his life to uphold benevolence.” (The Analects 15.9)

Even if they occasionally err, such faults stem not from malice but from human fallibility — and they will delight in correction when faults are pointed out, and resolutely amend their ways.