Nothing is more durable than the dynasty of Doubt; for he reigns in the hearts of all his people, but gives satisfaction to none of them, and yet he is the only despot who can never die, while any of his subjects live.
Charles Caleb ColtonRead
The sun should not set upon our anger, neither should he rise upon our confidence. We should forgive freely, but forget rarely. I will not be revenged, and this I owe to my enemy; but I will remember, and this I owe to myself.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Hold onto positive feelings and let go of anger; forgiveness is vital for personal peace.
This quote emphasizes the importance of resolving anger promptly and maintaining confidence without excessive pride. It suggests that while forgiveness is essential, one should not forget past grievances entirely, especially when it comes to interactions with those who may have harmed us. The author expresses a commitment to personal integrity by choosing not to seek revenge against adversaries, while simultaneously acknowledging the importance of memory in personal growth and self-awareness.
Themes
ForgivenessAngerMemoryRelationshipsPeace
In practice
Example use cases
This quote is perfect for a speech on conflict resolution.
More from Charles Caleb Colton
All quotes →It is astonishing how much more people are interested in lengthening life than improving it.
Charles Caleb ColtonRead
The benevolent have the advantage of the envious, even in this present life; for the envious man is tormented not only by all the ill that befalls himself, but by all the good that happens to another; whereas the benevolent man is the better prepared to bear his own calamities unruffled, from the complacency and serenity he has secured from contemplating the prosperity of all around him.
Charles Caleb ColtonRead
Happiness, that grand mistress of the ceremonies in the dance of life, impels us through all its mazes and meanderings, but leads none of us by the same route.
Charles Caleb ColtonRead
Our minds are as different as our faces. We are all traveling to one destination: happiness, but few are going by the same road.
Charles Caleb ColtonRead
Moderation is the inseparable companion of wisdom, but with it genius has not even a nodding acquaintance.
Charles Caleb ColtonRead
Similar quotes
I felt the first man I slept with must be intelligent, so I could respect him.
Sylvia PlathRead
Not that we were incompatible: we just had nothing to talk about.
Haruki MurakamiRead
Bad writing is like a bad relationship. Don't be addicted to it just because you are familiar with its ways. Let go.
Elif SafakRead
I thought that by saying no and explaining my reasons my employer would abandon his social suggestions. However, to my regret, in the following few weeks, he continued to ask me out on several occasions
Anita HillRead
And for all those years, we never talked about the disaster at the recital or my terrible accusations afterward at the piano bench. All that remained unchecked, like a betrayal that was now unbreakable. So I never found a way to ask her why she had hoped something so large that failure was inevitable. And even worse, I never asked her what frightened me the most: Why had she given up hope?
Amy TanRead
Marriage is about becoming a team. You’re going to spend the rest of your life learning about each other, and every now and then, things blow up. But the beauty of marriage is that if you picked the right person and you both love each other, you’ll always figure out a way to get through it.
Nicholas SparksRead