Confucius' Quote 'Repay Grievances with Justice' Shapes Restorative Justice Systems & AI Ethical Arbitration
以直报怨，以德报德。——孔子(yǐ zhí bào yuàn, yǐ dé bào dé — Kǒngzǐ) Translation: “Repay grievances with justice; repay virtue with virtue.” Explanation: Confucius’ justice principle “以直报怨(yǐ zhí bào yuàn), 以德报德(yǐ dé báo dé)” (Repay grievances with justice; repay virtue with virtue) establishes a reciprocal ethical framework contrasting religious pacifism. The term 直(zhí) (justice) combines 十(shí, ten) and 目(mù, eyes)—symbolizing multi-perspective fairness rather than unilateral retaliation. This differs from Jesus’ turn the other cheek by emphasizing calibrated accountability, as seen in 《吕刑》(lǚ xíng) (Lü Penal Code) where punishments matched crimes’ societal harm ratios. Historical applications balanced retribution and rehabilitation. Tang Dynasty’s 三复奏(sān fù zòu) system allowed convicts to appeal verdicts three times, ensuring 直(zhí)-aligned proportionality. Modern parallels include the International Criminal Court’s gravity-based...
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