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A prayer that must have a cannon behind it better never be uttered. Forgiveness ought not to go in partnership with shot and shell. Love need not carry knives and revolvers.
Robert Green Ingersoll
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Interpretation

What this quote means

True forgiveness and love should not be accompanied by violence or aggression.

This quote emphasizes the idea that genuine forgiveness and love cannot coexist with violence or threats of harm. It suggests that the essence of these virtues is undermined when they are coupled with weapons and aggression, highlighting the need for peace in the practice of forgiveness and love.

Themes

ForgivenessLovePeaceViolencePhilosophy

In practice

Example use cases

During a discussion on conflict resolution, this quote can be used to emphasize the need for peaceful approaches.

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I believe that there is something far nobler than loyalty to any particular man. Loyalty to the truth as we perceive it - loyalty to our duty as we know it - loyalty to the ideals of our brain and heart - is, to my mind, far greater and far nobler than loyalty to the life of any particular man or God. . . .
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Quote by Robert Green Ingersoll | QuoteProject