📖 Meaning
To care for others according to moral standards, without favoritism or indulgence. It describes loving people in a principled way rather than spoiling or accommodating them out of weakness.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from the 'Book of Rites' (礼记·檀弓上), a Confucian classic compiled during the Han dynasty. The text states: 'The gentleman loves people with virtue; the petty person loves people with indulgence.' This contrast highlights that true care for others is grounded in moral principle rather than sentimentality. The Song dynasty historian's biography of Su Shi also cites this idiom, praising a minister for advising with integrity rather than flattery.
💡 Example Usage
真正的朋友应该爱人以德，而不是一味纵容。
A true friend should care for others according to moral principles, rather than simply indulging them.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 爱人以德
- Pinyin: ài rén yǐ dé
- Literal Translation: love, people, with, virtue
- Category: Morality
- Characters: 4