We must never expect discretion in first love: it is accompanied by such excessive joy that unless the joy is allowed to overflow, it will choke you.
Alexandre DumasRead
When a man resolves to avenge himself, he should first of all tear out the heart from his breast.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that seeking revenge requires overcoming deep emotional attachments.
In this quote, Alexandre Dumas emphasizes the emotional toll of vengeance. He implies that before pursuing revenge, one must detach from their emotions, as feelings of anger and desire for retribution can cloud judgment and lead to negative consequences. The act of 'tearing out the heart' symbolizes the need for emotional detachment and the heavy burden that comes with a quest for revenge.
Themes
RevengeEmotionDetachmentPhilosophyAngerConsequences
In practice
Example use cases
During a seminar on emotional intelligence, this quote could illustrate the dangers of letting revenge control one's actions.
More from Alexandre Dumas
All quotes →There are two ways of seeing: with the body and with the soul. The body's sight can sometimes forget, but the soul remembers forever.
Alexandre DumasRead
I do not often laugh, sir, as you may perceive by the air of my countenance; but nevertheless, I retain the privilege of laughing when I please.
Alexandre DumasRead
There is neither happiness nor misery in the world; there is only the comparison of one state with another, nothing more. He who has felt the deepest grief is best able to experience supreme happiness.
Alexandre DumasRead
Those born to wealth, and who have the means of gratifying every wish, know not what is the real happiness of life, just as those who have been tossed on the stormy waters of the ocean on a few frail planks can alone realize the blessings of fair weather.
Alexandre DumasRead
It is the way of weakened minds to see everything through a black cloud. The soul forms its own horizons; your soul is darkened, and consequently the sky of the future appears stormy and unpromising
Alexandre DumasRead
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