Such is a gentleman’s attitude toward animals that, having seen them alive, he can not bear to see them die; having heard their dying cries, he can not bear to eat their meat. That is why he keeps away from his kitchen."

So is the superior man affected towards animals, that, having seen them alive, he cannot bear to see them die; having heard their dying cries, he cannot bear to eat their flesh. Therefore he keeps away from his slaughter-house and cook-room.’

A gentleman that has seen a bird or beast alive cannot bear to see him die; if he has heard his voice he cannot bear to eat his flesh. This is why a gentleman puts the slaughter-house and kitchen far away.

And when noble- minded people see birds and animals alive, they can’t bear to see them die. Hearing them cry out, they can't bear to eat their meat, That’s why the noble-minded stay clear of their kitchens."

The superior man can look on animals when alive, but cannot bear to look on them when dying. If he hear their dying groans, he cannot bear to eat their flesh. Hence the superior man places his shambles at a distance.