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Revenge is a common passion; it is the sin of the…

“Revenge is a common passion; it is the sin of the uninstructed. The savage deems it noble;but the religion of Christ, which is the sublime civilizer, emphatically condemns it. Why? Because religion ever seeks to ennoble man; and nothing so debases him as revenge.” quote by Edward Bulwer-Lytton, 1st Baron Lytton
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“Revenge is a common passion; it is the sin of the uninstructed. The savage deems it noble;but the religion of Christ, which is the sublime civilizer, emphatically condemns it. Why? Because religion ever seeks to ennoble man; and nothing so debases him as revenge.”

Edward Bulwer-Lytton, 1st Baron Lytton

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Revenge is portrayed as an uneducated, destructive impulse that contradicts the civilizing aim of religion.

In simple terms: Revenge is a base, unlearned reaction opposed by moral teachings.

Key Takeaway

Reject revenge; seek higher moral standards.

Themes

ethics revenge religion humannature

Mood

thoughtful serious

Type

philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

  • personal conflicts
  • legal disputes
  • family feuds
  • political power struggles

Key Concepts

moralphilosophy civilization sin

Questions to Reflect On

  • Is revenge ever justified?
  • What moral frameworks replace revenge?
A Different Perspective

Revenge can sometimes serve as a social deterrent against injustice.

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