Hatred is corrosive of a person's wisdom and conscience; the

Host: The stillness of the evening filled the room, creating a space for deep contemplation. Jack sat at the table, his fingers resting lightly on his cup, reflecting on Liu Xiaobo’s words. Jeeny stood near the window, her gaze directed outward as she considered the weight of the statement.

Jeeny: “I’ve been thinking about what Liu Xiaobo said: ‘Hatred is corrosive of a person’s wisdom and conscience; the mentality of enmity can poison a nation’s spirit, instigate brutal life and death struggles, destroy a society’s tolerance and humanity, and block a nation’s progress to freedom and democracy.’ It’s such a profound statement, isn’t it? The way hatred not only affects individuals but also has the power to deeply impact society, to poison its spirit and stall its progress.”

Jack: “Yes, exactly. Xiaobo is showing us that hatred isn’t just a personal emotion—it’s something that can ripple out and affect entire communities, even nations. It destroys people’s capacity for empathy, for understanding. Hatred clouds our judgment and erodes our ability to think clearly or act compassionately. It’s a powerful force, one that can hold back not just individual growth but societal progress.”

Jeeny: “Right. It’s like Xiaobo is warning us that hatred isn’t just harmful to those we direct it at—it’s self-destructive as well. The moment we allow hatred to take root, it poisons our own wisdom and conscience. And when it spreads to a nation, it creates a climate of enmity, where violence, intolerance, and cruelty replace understanding and cooperation. It becomes a barrier to growth, to freedom, to democracy.”

Host: The quiet in the room deepened as they both considered how hatred, when unchecked, can have a far-reaching impact, not only on individuals but on the fabric of entire societies. Jack’s fingers rested on the table, while Jeeny’s expression softened, considering the destructive power of hatred and its ability to obstruct progress.

Jack: “It makes me think about how often division is fueled by hatred—whether through political ideologies, cultural differences, or historical conflicts. Once hatred sets in, it becomes so much harder to move forward, to find common ground. Instead of focusing on solutions, society gets stuck in conflict and struggle, with progress towards freedom and democracy becoming increasingly distant.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. And it’s not just about violence or war—hatred destroys something much deeper. It destroys the ability to tolerate and to accept others, to see them as fellow human beings with worth. It leads to a fractured society, where cooperation and compassion give way to hostility and fear. Xiaobo is pointing out that for a society to thrive and move forward, it has to overcome hatred and embrace understanding and mutual respect.”

Jack: “And that’s what makes this quote so relevant, especially today. There’s so much polarization in the world—so much division and animosity. And every time hatred becomes the guiding principle, we take a step backward. As Xiaobo says, it poisons the nation’s spirit, and it poisons each of us individually, preventing us from thinking clearly, from making progress, from moving forward in a healthy, unified way.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. I think what Xiaobo is getting at is that while hatred may feel like a justified response in the moment, it never leads to long-term solutions. It destroys. It’s like a fire that burns through everything it touches, leaving nothing but destruction behind. The real strength is in overcoming that hatred, choosing compassion, tolerance, and understanding instead of vengeance or fear.”

Host: The stillness in the room deepened as they both reflected on how hatred can be one of the most damaging forces in both personal and collective life. Liu Xiaobo’s words had sparked a profound understanding of the need to embrace tolerance, empathy, and open-mindedness if society is to move forward, if freedom and democracy are to flourish. Jack leaned back slightly in his chair, while Jeeny’s gaze turned from the window back to him, both of them recognizing how critical it is to break free from the corrosive power of hatred.

Jack: “So, Xiaobo is showing us that hatred, in the end, is what holds us back—not just as individuals, but as a society. It poisons our ability to grow, to think clearly, to make progress toward something better. The key to moving forward, to achieving peace and democracy, lies in overcoming hatred and choosing something greater—understanding, respect, and compassion.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. Hatred might feel like a response to injustice, but it only keeps us trapped in that cycle. What’s needed is the courage to choose something different, to rise above the anger and fear, and to work together for a better future. Xiaobo is reminding us that this is the only way forward.”

Host: The evening had fully settled in, the quiet understanding between them a reminder that hatred can be one of the most destructive forces we face. Liu Xiaobo had illuminated the importance of choosing compassion, tolerance, and understanding in the face of division and conflict. The world outside had darkened, but inside, there was light—a recognition that true progress comes from choosing love and understanding over hatred.