How to Read “罪を憎んで人を憎まず”
Tsumi wo nikunde hito wo nikumazu
Meaning of “罪を憎んで人を憎まず”
“Hate sin and do not hate person” means that while bad actions or mistakes should be severely criticized, one should not hate the person who committed them.
This teaching explains the importance of separating human actions from personality. No matter how unforgivable someone’s actions may be, rather than denying that person’s entire humanity, only the bad actions should be seen as problematic. This doesn’t simply show tolerance, but rather represents a balanced way of thinking that maintains a firm stance against evil while not losing basic feelings of love and respect for human beings.
This expression is used when someone makes a mistake or when discussing social issues. It serves as a guideline for maintaining calm and constructive responses in situations where one might become emotional and completely reject the other person. Even today, this way of thinking is considered important in educational settings, workplace guidance, and even as an ideal in criminal justice.
Origin and Etymology
“Hate sin and do not hate person” is said to originate from the Chinese classic “Analects of Confucius.” This book contains the expression “A gentleman does not hate the person but hates their evil,” which is thought to have been transmitted to Japan and evolved into its current form.
In Confucius’s teachings, there was a fundamental belief that human nature is good, and that bad actions arise from environment and circumstances. In other words, the philosophy was that one should not deny the person themselves, but should only criticize the mistakes or bad actions they committed.
In Japan, this way of thinking spread from the Edo period to the Meiji period along with Confucian influence. It was particularly valued as a guideline in educational settings and when considering punishment for criminals. It also connected to the spirit of bushido, merging with Japan’s unique values of respecting the character of even one’s enemies.
The background to this phrase taking root in Japan is thought to include the influence of Buddhism’s compassionate heart and Shinto’s emphasis on “purity.” As a teaching based on deep human understanding that hates evil while not losing love for humanity, it has been passed down to the present day.
Usage Examples
- Even when scolding subordinates for mistakes, I try to approach them with the spirit of “Hate sin and do not hate person”
- My son caused problems, but I must face this with “Hate sin and do not hate person”
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, this concept of “Hate sin and do not hate person” is required in increasingly complex and diverse situations. With the spread of social media, a single slip of the tongue or mistake can be instantly disseminated, leading to “flaming” phenomena where a person’s entire character is denied. It is precisely because of such situations that the importance of this teaching, which separates actions from character, has increased.
When corporate scandals or political scandals are reported, we tend to become emotional and treat everyone involved as villains. However, organizational problems and individual responsibility, and furthermore, an individual’s single action and that person’s entire character, should originally be considered separately.
On the other hand, modern times have also brought new challenges in balancing “perpetrators’ rights” and “victims’ emotions.” For victims and their families, the words “do not hate the person” can sometimes become secondary victimization. Therefore, when applying this teaching, more careful and delicate consideration is now required.
Additionally, with the development of AI technology, we have entered an era where human behavior patterns and thought processes are being digitized. This may make the boundary between “sin” and “person” clearer, or conversely, it may make it more ambiguous, perhaps requiring new interpretations of this classical teaching.
When AI Hears This
“Cancel culture” is a distinctly modern phenomenon that seeks to erase individuals entirely from society based on a single misstep or past action, but this ancient proverb presents the complete opposite approach.
The psychological concept of “fundamental attribution error” explains this contrast. When people observe others’ behavior, they tend to ignore situational factors and jump to conclusions like “that’s just how they are.” Cancel culture falls directly into this psychological trap, condemning an entire character based on a single act.
What’s fascinating is that our criminal justice system is designed around this proverb’s principle. Courts judge the “act,” and once a sentence is served, they provide opportunities for social reintegration. Meanwhile, the “people’s court” of social media executes permanent social death sentences.
Stanford University research comparing “behavior criticism” versus “character assassination” for people who made mistakes found that the former approach actually promotes genuine reflection and improved behavior. “That statement was inappropriate” generates more constructive change than “You are a liar.”
What this proverb reveals is wisdom for how imperfect humans can coexist. By separating actions from character, we can offer criticism while still leaving room for relationship repair. In our digital age, this classical tolerance has become the key to determining society’s sustainability.
Lessons for Today
The most important insight this teaching gives us today is the importance of the ability to see things from multiple perspectives. When someone makes a mistake, if we can have the composure to think about why it happened and how it can be improved, rather than unilaterally condemning that person, we should be able to find more constructive solutions.
Whether at work or at home, when you feel irritated by someone’s behavior, try to remember these words. That person’s actions may indeed be problematic, but that person themselves surely has good aspects too. By focusing on those, you can guide your mutual relationship in a better direction.
The same can be said for yourself. When you make failures or mistakes, rather than completely denying yourself, you just need to reflect on those actions alone and improve them. No one is perfect. What’s important is learning from mistakes and continuing to grow.
This ancient teaching has deeper meaning precisely because we live in an era where diversity is demanded. When you have even a little room in your heart, remember these words and try looking at the people around you from a different angle. You’re sure to make new discoveries.
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