Skip to content

..though Miss Rebecca Sharp has twice had occasion to…

“..though Miss Rebecca Sharp has twice had occasion to thank Heaven, it has been, in the first place, for ridding her of some person whom she hated, and secondly, for enabling her to bring her enemies to some sort of perplexity or confusion; neither of which are very amiable motives for religious…” quote by William Makepeace Thackeray
Download Open image
““..though Miss Rebecca Sharp has twice had occasion to thank Heaven, it has been, in the first place, for ridding her of some person whom she hated, and secondly, for enabling her to bring her enemies to some sort of perplexity or confusion; neither of which are very amiable motives for religious gratitude,””

William Makepeace Thackeray

About This Quote

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

Gratitude expressed for divine removal of an enemy can be morally ambiguous, revealing self‑interest rather than genuine piety.

In simple terms: Thanking God for getting rid of a hated person shows selfish motives.

Key Takeaway

Beware of gratitude that masks personal vendettas.

Themes

morality gratitude self‑interest religion

Mood

critical analytical

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal grudges
  • religious reflection
  • ethical debates
  • literary analysis

Key Concepts

ethical philosophy psychology of revenge

Questions to Reflect On

  • Do you ever thank fate for removing obstacles?
  • How does this affect your moral view?
A Different Perspective

Such gratitude can undermine true spiritual humility.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by William Makepeace Thackeray

Explore all 384 William Makepeace Thackeray quotes

More First place quotes

Browse all 2,907 First place quotes