“It is easy to hate and it is difficult to love. This is how the whole scheme of things works. All good things are difficult to achieve; and bad things are very easy to get.”
- 551 BC – 479 BC
- Han ethnicity
- Philosopher, educator, politician
- Known as the founder of Confucianism, he had a major impact on Chinese culture and the whole of East Asia through his teachings on ethics, morality, and politics.
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Quote
“It is easy to hate and it is difficult to love. This is how the whole scheme of things works. All good things are difficult to achieve; and bad things are very easy to get.”
Explanation
In this saying, Confucius reflects on the nature of human effort and the challenges inherent in pursuing virtue over negative impulses. He suggests that love, compassion, and goodness require intentionality and effort, while negative emotions like hatred come easily and can lead to destructive outcomes. Confucius recognized that all good things—such as kindness, wisdom, and self-discipline—demand patience, dedication, and resilience, whereas harmful behaviors and emotions often require little effort.
This perspective is especially relevant in a world where instant gratification and impulsive reactions are common. It’s easy to respond negatively in challenging situations or to judge others quickly, but showing love, empathy, and understanding requires strength and commitment. For example, building a successful relationship involves patience, trust, and forgiveness, while it’s much simpler to give in to anger or resentment, which can damage the connection. Similarly, pursuing excellence in any field requires sustained effort, while giving up or taking shortcuts is far easier.
Confucius’s words remind us that true goodness is often challenging but deeply rewarding. By recognizing that valuable qualities and outcomes require effort, we’re encouraged to embrace the path of growth and self-discipline. This approach fosters meaningful achievements and deep relationships, leading to a life of purpose, resilience, and lasting fulfillment.
