I make it a practice to avoid hating anyone. If someone's…
“I make it a practice to avoid hating anyone. If someone's been guilty of despicable actions, especially toward me, I try to forget him. I used to follow a practice-somewhat contrived, I admit-to write the man's name on a piece of scrap paper, drop it into the lowest drawer of my desk, and say to myself: "That finishes the incident, and so far as I'm concerned, that fellow. The drawer became over the years a sort of private wastebasket for crumpled-up spite and discarded personalities. Besides, it seemed to be effective, and helped me avoid harboring useless black feelings."”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
He discards grudges by writing names on paper and filing them away, preventing lingering negativity.
In simple terms: Writing down grudges helps release them.
Adopt a ritual to let go of resentment.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- journaling
- meditation
- therapy
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What emotions surface when you release a grudge?
- How can you ensure lasting forgiveness?
May not address underlying issues fully.