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.
Francis BaconRead
Truth emerges more readily from error than from confusion.
Francis BaconRead
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
Francis BaconRead
Wise men make more opportunities than they find.
Francis BaconRead
Knowledge and human power are synonymous.
Francis BaconRead
Similar quotes
It is the privilege of the gods to want nothing, and of godlike men to want little.
DiogenesRead
True, I talk of dreams, Which are the children of an idle brain, Begot of nothing but vain fantasy.
William ShakespeareRead
You must believe that you can help bring about a better world. A good society is produced only by good individuals, just as truly as a majority in a presidential election is produced by the votes of single electors.
Bertrand RussellRead
Public opinion in this country is everything.
Abraham LincolnRead
Complete possession is proved only by giving. All you are unable to give possesses you.
Andre GideRead
The thing I love about Marvel in general is that they deal with people. They deal with the human being first: Who is inside the suit? Who is the person that obtained this power or this ability?
Chadwick BosemanRead