QuoteProject
Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it.
Mark Twain
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

Forgiveness is a positive and selfless act, much like a flower's fragrance, that benefits the forgiver despite being hurt by others.

This quote by Mark Twain illustrates that forgiveness is not just a gift to the one who caused the pain, but it also enriches the life of the person who forgives. Just as a violet releases its sweet fragrance even after being crushed, a person who forgives can find peace and joy, transforming their own pain into something beautiful.

Themes

ForgivenessWisdomPeaceHealingLove

In practice

Example use cases

In a speech about personal growth, one might say, 'Remember, as Mark Twain said, 'forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it.' It highlights the importance of letting go of grudges for our own peace.

More from Mark Twain

Weather is a literary specialty, and no untrained hand can turn out a good article on it
Mark TwainRead
The easy part of being an artist is figuring out the message that everyone else is ready to hear. The hard part is waiting for the proper lull to make the announcement.
Mark TwainRead
You can't reason with your heart; it has its own laws, and thumps about things which the intellect scorns.
Mark TwainRead
To be good is noble; but to show others how to be good is nobler and no trouble.
Mark TwainRead
Name the greatest of all inventors. Accident.
Mark TwainRead
In Paris they just simply opened their eyes and stared when we spoke to them in French! We never did succeed in making those idiots understand their own language.
Mark TwainRead

Similar quotes

Claret is the liquor for boys; port for men; but he who aspires to be a hero must drink brandy.
Samuel JohnsonRead
No one would be happier than Luther to be commended by the testimony of the time that he had been neither slack nor deceitful in maintaining the course of truth, but had shown quite enough and even too much vehemence.
Martin LutherRead
Many of the insights of the saint stem from their experience as sinners.
Eric HofferRead
It is one thing to study war and another to live the warrior's life.
Steven PressfieldRead
One of the marvels of the world: The sight of a soul sitting in prison with the key in its hand.
RumiRead
What distracts us will begin to define us. We don't need to swing at every pitch.
Bob GoffRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.