Definition

1. Noun:
   • Universal love, impartial fraternal love: "Kiêm ái" refers to the philosophical concept of loving all people equally and universally, without discrimination or partiality. It is a core tenet of Mohist philosophy.
   • Philanthropy, universal benevolence: In a broader, sometimes archaic sense, it can denote a spirit of universal kindness and humanitarianism.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Thuyết kiêm ái của Mặc Tử đề cao tình yêu thương rộng khắp. (Mozi's doctrine of "kiêm ái" (universal love) promotes love for all.)
  • Ông ấy sống với tinh thần kiêm ái, giúp đỡ mọi người không phân biệt. (He lives with a spirit of "kiêm ái" (philanthropy), helping everyone without distinction.)

Advanced Usage

• "Tư tưởng kiêm ái": the ideology/philosophy of universal love.
  • Tư tưởng kiêm ái có ảnh hưởng lớn trong lịch sử triết học Trung Hoa. (The ideology of "kiêm ái" (universal love) had a great influence in the history of Chinese philosophy.)

Variants and Related Words

• Yêu thương (v): to love. (A more common, general term for love.)
• Bác ái (n): charity, benevolence. (Often used in religious or charitable contexts.)
• Nhân ái (n): humanity, benevolence. (Emphasizes human kindness.)

Synonyms

• Tình yêu phổ quát: universal love.
• Lòng bác ái: charitable heart, philanthropy.
• Chủ nghĩa vị tha vô tư: impartial altruism.

Notes on Meaning

• Philosophical Term: Primarily, "kiêm ái" is a specialized term from classical Chinese philosophy, specifically associated with Mozi (Mặc Tử) and Mohism. It contrasts with the graded, familial love emphasized in Confucianism.
• Archaic/Literary: In modern Vietnamese, its use outside philosophical or literary discussions is rare. The more common terms for general love or philanthropy are "yêu thương," "bác ái," or "nhân ái."

1. (be) equally fraternal to everyone