Resented Quote by Barry Eisler
““She nodded. “At first what I thought I wanted was revenge. I kept thinking of how to hurt you, how to cause you pain, like the pain you caused me.” I wasn’t surprised. “And I resented you for that,” she went on, “because I’ve always believed hate is such an unworthy emotion. So weak and ultimately pointless.” I marveled briefly at how innocent a life someone would have to have led for such a philosophy to emerge credible and intact, and for a second I loved her for it.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Last Empress by Barry Eisler, 2015
The speaker reflects on how revenge feels hollow and how hate is seen as a weak, pointless emotion, recognizing the innocence behind such a philosophy.
In simple terms: Revenge feels empty; hate is weak.
Recognize the emptiness of revenge.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- conflict resolution
- self‑growth
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What does it mean to deem hate unworthy?
- How can we transform resentment into compassion?
Revenge can become a cycle of pain if not examined.