It is one of the important viewpoints of Zhu's Neo-Confucianism to "preserve justice and destroy human desires", but this famous saying was not created by Zhu. Dong Zhongshu didn't mention it.

In fact, this concept has already appeared in the Book of Rites, which says: "Those who make things will destroy the laws of heaven and the desires of the poor. Therefore, there is a rebellious and treacherous heart, and there is fornication. " The so-called "those who destroy justice and want poverty" here refers to those who do whatever they want without justice.

Cheng said: "People are in danger because of their selfish desires. The heart is natural, so it is subtle. If you want to destroy selfish desires, you will be clear. " The so-called "eliminating selfish desires and managing tomorrow" here means "preserving justice and eliminating human desires".