The comic spirit is given to us in order that we may analyze, weigh, and clarify things in us which nettle us, or which we are outgrowing, or trying to reshape
Thornton WilderRead
There is no need for me to curse you -the murderer survives the victim only to learn that it was himself that he longed to be rid of. Hatred is self-hatred.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes that hatred towards others often reflects a person's own inner struggles and self-loathing.
Thornton Wilder's quote suggests that when someone expresses hatred, they may actually be grappling with their own feelings of inadequacy or self-hatred. The 'murderer' in the quote symbolizes those who harm others, yet ultimately discover that the true enemy lies within themselves. This profound understanding of hatred points out that our negative feelings towards others often stem from unresolved conflicts and unrecognized flaws within ourselves.
Themes
HatredSelf-HatredInner ConflictConfrontationWisdom
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about personal growth and self-reflection, this quote can be used to illustrate how our negative feelings can often reflect our internal struggles.
More from Thornton Wilder
All quotes →A man looks pretty small at a wedding, George. All those good women standing shoulder to shoulder, making sure that the knot's tied in a mighty public way.
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Good-by, Good-by, world. Good-by, Grover's Corners... Mama and Papa. Good-by to clocks ticking... and Mama's sunflowers. And food and coffee. And new-ironed dresses and hot baths...and sleeping and waking up. Oh, earth, you're too wonderful for anybody to realize you.
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When you're safe at home you wish you were having an adventure; when you're having an adventure you wish you were safe at home.
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Many great writers have been extraordinarily awkward in daily exchange, but the greatest give the impression that their style was nursed by the closest attention to colloquial speech.
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I want you to try and remember what it was like to have been very young. And particularly the days when you were first in love; when you were like a person sleepwalking, and you didn’t quite see the street you were in, and didn’t quite hear everything that was said to you. You’re just a little bit crazy. Will you remember that, please?
Thornton WilderRead
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