Life Quote by L.M. Montgomery
““Really, Nan could be very odious when she liked. Yet somehow she [Gay] didn't hate her as before. She felt very indifferent to her. She found herself looking at her with cool, appraising eyes, seeing her as she had never seen her before. An empty, selfish little creature, who had always to be amused like a child. ...A girl who posed as a sophisticate before her country cousins but who was really more provincial than they were, knowing nothing of real life or real love or real emotion of any kind. Gay wondered, as she looked, how she could ever have hated this girl—ever been jealous of her. She was not worth hating. Gay spoke at last. She stood up and looked levelly at Nan. There was contempt in her quiet voice. "I suppose you came here to hurt me, Nan. You haven't—you can never hurt me again. You've lost the power. I think I even feel a little sorry for you. You've always been a taker, Nan. All through your life you've taken whatever you wanted. But you've never been a giver—you couldn't be because you've nothing to give. Neither love nor truth nor understanding nor kindness nor loyalty. Just taking all the time and giving nothing—oh, it has made you very poor. So poor that nobody need envy you.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery, 1908
Recognizing another’s flaws can lead to empathy and personal growth, freeing oneself from resentment.
In simple terms: Seeing others clearly reduces hatred.
Practice compassionate observation.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- conflict resolution
- family gatherings
- workplace relationships
- personal journaling
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What judgments do you hold about others?
- How can you shift from contempt to curiosity?
Over‑analysis may create distance instead of connection.