Men are but children of a larger growth, Our appetites as apt to change as theirs, And full as craving too, and full as vain.
John DrydenRead
Great souls forgive not injuries till time has put their enemies within their power, that they may show forgiveness is their own.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True forgiveness is shown by those who have the power to retaliate but choose to forgive instead.
This quote by John Dryden suggests that great individuals only truly forgive others after time has given them the upper hand or power. It emphasizes the notion that genuine forgiveness is an exercise of strength and control, as it reflects one's ability to rise above past grievances and illustrates that forgiveness stems from a place of empowerment rather than weakness.
Themes
ForgivenessPowerStrengthTimeControl
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about conflict resolution, one might quote Dryden to emphasize the strength behind forgiveness.
More from John Dryden
All quotes βOf no distemper, of no blast he died, _x000D_ But fell like autumn fruit that mellow'd long: _x000D_ Even wonder'd at, because he dropp'd no sooner. _x000D_ Fate seem'd to wind him up for fourscore years; _x000D_ Yet freshly ran he on ten winters more; _x000D_ Till like a clock worn out with eating time, _x000D_ The wheels of weary life at last stood still.
John DrydenRead
Or hast thou known the world so long in vain?
John DrydenRead
Shame on the body for breaking down while the spirit perseveres.
John DrydenRead
Love reckons hours for months, and days for years; and every little absence is an age.
John DrydenRead
And write whatever Time shall bring to pass_x000D_ _x000D_ With pens of adamant on plates of brass.
John DrydenRead
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