--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Before you embark on a journey of…" description: "\"“Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves, Confucius said.”\" — Ian McEwan" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4de/ian-mcewan-494_confucius_before-you-embark-on-a-journey-of-reveng_1310878.png" --- # Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves… ![“Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves, Confucius said.” quote by Ian McEwan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4de/ian-mcewan-494_confucius_before-you-embark-on-a-journey-of-reveng_1310878.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4de/ian-mcewan-494_confucius_before-you-embark-on-a-journey-of-reveng_1310878.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4de/ian-mcewan-494_confucius_before-you-embark-on-a-journey-of-reveng_1310878.png) > ““Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves, Confucius said.”” [Ian McEwan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ian-mcewan/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Revenge leads to mutual destruction; seeking it harms both parties. **In simple terms:** Revenge harms everyone involved. Key Takeaway Avoid revenge. Themes morality conflict justice self‑control Mood reflective somber Type philosophical ethical When to use this quote - personal relationships - legal disputes - social feuds Key Concepts karma ethical restraint cycle of retaliation Questions to Reflect On - What healthier alternatives exist to address wrongdoing? - How does forgiveness change outcomes? A Different Perspective Revenge may feel justified but causes lasting damage. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Confucius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/confucius/) [Dig Two Graves](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/dig-two-graves/) [Revenge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/revenge/) [Revenge Dig Two Graves](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/revenge-dig-two-graves/) ## Related quotes > [“Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves, Confucius said. 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