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Enemy Quote by Mary Wortley Montagu

“People wish their enemies dead - but I do not; I say give them the gout, give them the stone!” quote by Mary Wortley Montagu
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“People wish their enemies dead - but I do not; I say give them the gout, give them the stone!”

Mary Wortley Montagu

About This Quote

Advocates for wishing suffering rather than death upon foes, reflecting a nuanced moral stance on vengeance.

In simple terms: Prefer pain over death for enemies.

Key Takeaway

Compassionate retribution.

Themes

ethics humor conflict empathy morality

Mood

wry thoughtful

Type

aphorism satire

When to use this quote

  • personal grudges
  • political rivalry
  • family feuds

Key Concepts

revenge humaneness irony

Practical Applications

  • conflict resolution counseling
  • ethical debates

Questions to Reflect On

  • Is causing pain morally better than causing death?
  • How does this view affect long-term reconciliation?
A Different Perspective

Some argue that any harm, even non-lethal, perpetuates cycles of violence.

4.2 out of 5 (7 ratings)

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