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Whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him…

“Whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also; and if any man take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also,” quote by Leo Tolstoy
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““Whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also; and if any man take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also,””

Leo Tolstoy

About This Quote

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

Advocates radical nonviolence: respond to aggression with equal nonresistance, even surrendering possessions.

In simple terms: Turn the other cheek, give even your cloak.

Key Takeaway

Practice extreme compassion and forgiveness.

Themes

nonviolence forgiveness ethics spirituality

Mood

reflective ethical

Type

philosophical religious

When to use this quote

  • conflict resolution
  • personal relationships
  • social activism

Key Concepts

Christianity moral philosophy pacifism

Questions to Reflect On

  • When is nonresistance impractical?
  • How to protect oneself while forgiving?
A Different Perspective

Such generosity can be exploited.

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