Salomon saith, There is no new thing upon the earth. So that as Plato had an imagination, that all knowledge was but remembrance; so Salomon giveth his sentence, that all novelty is but oblivion.
Francis BaconRead
Certainly, in taking revenge, a man is but even with his enemy, but in passing it over, he is superior; for it is a prince's part to pardon.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Revenge keeps you on the same level as your enemy, but forgiveness elevates you above them.
This quote by Francis Bacon emphasizes the moral superiority that comes with forgiveness over revenge. While seeking revenge may provide a sense of immediate satisfaction and equality with the opponent, choosing to pardon demonstrates strength and character, revealing a higher moral ground akin to that of a ruler or 'prince' who possesses the power to forgive.
Themes
RevengeForgivenessMoral SuperiorityPardonStrength
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about conflict resolution, one might use this quote to highlight the importance of forgiveness.
More from Francis Bacon
All quotes →Nothing doth more hurt in a state than that cunning men pass for wise.
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Truth emerges more readily from error than from confusion.
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Great art is always a way of concentrating, reinventing what is called fact, what we know of our existence- a reconcentration… tearing away the veils, the attitudes people acquire of their time and earlier time. Really good artists tear down those veils
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Wise men make more opportunities than they find.
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Knowledge and human power are synonymous.
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