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What is in reality cowardice and faithlessness, we call…

“What is in reality cowardice and faithlessness, we call charity, and consider it the part of benevolence sometimes to forgive men's evil practice for the sake of their accurate faith, and sometimes to forgive their confessed heresy for the sake of their admirable practice.” quote by John Ruskin
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“What is in reality cowardice and faithlessness, we call charity, and consider it the part of benevolence sometimes to forgive men's evil practice for the sake of their accurate faith, and sometimes to forgive their confessed heresy for the sake of their admirable practice.”

John Ruskin

About This Quote

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

Charity is often mislabeled as cowardice or faithlessness, yet it involves forgiving wrongdoing for deeper moral or spiritual reasons.

In simple terms: Charity can be seen as brave forgiveness of flaws.

Key Takeaway

Recognize forgiveness as moral strength.

Themes

morality forgiveness faith humanity

Mood

reflective thoughtful

Type

philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

  • personal relationships
  • justice work
  • conflict resolution

Key Concepts

ethical philosophy social critique

Questions to Reflect On

  • What motives underlie your forgiveness?
  • When does forgiveness become enabling?
A Different Perspective

Charity may be exploited or misunderstood.

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