Endurance is nobler than strength, and patience than beauty.
John RuskinRead
He that would be angry and sin not, must not be angry with anything but sin.
Interpretation
What this quote means
One can experience anger without wrongdoing if that anger is directed solely at sin or wrongdoing itself.
John Ruskin's quote emphasizes the idea that anger, often perceived as a negative emotion, can be justified if it is directed towards sin or moral wrongs. This suggests that it is not the feeling of anger that is sinful, but rather how one chooses to express or act upon that anger. By focusing on what is truly wrong rather than personal grievances, one can maintain a moral clarity in their emotions.
Themes
AngerSinMoralityEmotionsPhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
During a discussion on moral integrity, this quote can highlight the importance of directing anger constructively.
More from John Ruskin
All quotes βIn health of mind and body, men should see with their own eyes, hear and speak without trumpets, walk on their feet, not on wheels, and work and war with their arms, not with engine-beams, nor rifles warranted to kill twenty men at a shot before you can see them.
John RuskinRead
You talk of the scythe of Time, and the tooth of Time: I tell you, Time is scytheless and toothless; it is we who gnaw like the worm - we who smite like the scythe. It is ourselves who abolish - ourselves who consume: we are the mildew, and the flame.
John RuskinRead
To be able to ask a question clearly is two-thirds of the way to getting it answered.
John RuskinRead
See that your children be taught, not only the labors of the earth, but the loveliness of it.
John RuskinRead
A little thought and a little kindness are often worth more than a great deal of money.
John RuskinRead
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