Full Idea
People all have things they will not do. To extend this reaction to that which they will do is righteousness.
Gist of Idea
Righteousness is extending the unthinkable, to reveal what must be done
Source
Mengzi (Mencius) (The Mengzi (Mencius) [c.332 BCE], 7B31), quoted by Bryan van Norden - Intro to Classical Chinese Philosophy 6.IV
Book Reference
Norden,Bryan van: 'Intro to Classical Chinese Philosophy' [Hackett 2011], p.95
A Reaction
Very nice! Kekes points out the enormous importance of unthinkable deeds. Depravity is when the unthinkable gradually begins to look possible, which is probably a social phenomenon, a creeping cancer in a culture.
Related Idea
Idea 20152 Unconditional commitments are our most basic convictions, saying what must never be done [Kekes]