Quotation
Last reviewed:
The four moral sprouts arise from principle, with material force following; the seven feelings arise from material force, with principle riding on them.
Yi Hwang (Toegye) · Korean Neo-Confucianism · Renaissance · 1559–1566
What does it mean?
Moral feelings like compassion have a different root from anger or desire, though both are real feelings.
Did Yi Hwang (Toegye) really say this?
The library’s label is Summary. Restates his final position in the debate (SEP: 'principle issues and material force follows'). Wording varies by translation.
Where it comes from
Letters to Gi Daeseung (Four-Seven Debate), summary
Approximate date: 1559–1566.
How to use it
When you feel for someone, he would say trust that feeling more than a passing irritation.
A mindset reading
Not every feeling is equal evidence of what is right.
Understand the philosophy
Gi Daeseung objected that this splits the mind in two. The exchange shaped Korean thought for centuries.
- mind
- ethics
- virtue
FAQ
What does it mean?
Moral feelings like compassion have a different root from anger or desire, though both are real feelings.
Did Yi Hwang (Toegye) really say this?
Summary. Restates his final position in the debate (SEP: 'principle issues and material force follows'). Wording varies by translation.
Which work is it in?
Letters to Gi Daeseung (Four-Seven Debate), summary Approximate date: 1559–1566.