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When our hatred is violent, it sinks us even beneath those we hate.
Francois De La Rochefoucauld
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Hatred can degrade us to a point where we become worse than our enemies.

This quote by Francois De La Rochefoucauld highlights the destructive nature of hatred. When we allow intense hatred to consume us, it not only harms our character but can also diminish our moral standing, leading us to actions that may make us worse than those we oppose. It serves as a reminder of the importance of striving for better values rather than being dragged down by animosity.

Themes

HatredViolenceMoralityCharacterDestruction

In practice

Example use cases

During a discussion on the effects of negativity, this quote can serve as a powerful reminder.

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The generality of virtuous women are like hidden treasures, they are safe only because nobody has sought after them.
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Conceit causes more conversation than wit.
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The defects and faults of the mind are like wounds in the body; after all imaginable care has been taken to heal them up, still there will be a scar left behind, and they are in continual danger of breaking the skin and bursting out again.
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To understand matters rightly we should understand their details; and as that knowledge is almost infinite, our knowledge is always superficial and imperfect.
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