--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Virtue pardons the wicked, as the…" description: "\"Virtue pardons the wicked, as the sandal-tree perfumes the axe which strikes it.\" — Saadi" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/51c/saadi-2340_character_virtue-pardons-the-wicked-as-the-sandal_1488299.png" --- # Virtue pardons the wicked, as the sandal-tree perfumes the… ![“Virtue pardons the wicked, as the sandal-tree perfumes the axe which strikes it.” quote by Saadi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/51c/saadi-2340_character_virtue-pardons-the-wicked-as-the-sandal_1488299.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/51c/saadi-2340_character_virtue-pardons-the-wicked-as-the-sandal_1488299.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/51c/saadi-2340_character_virtue-pardons-the-wicked-as-the-sandal_1488299.png) > “Virtue pardons the wicked, as the sandal-tree perfumes the axe which strikes it.” [Saadi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/saadi/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Virtue can soften even harsh punishment, like a fragrant tree making a striking axe pleasant. **In simple terms:** Virtue softens harshness. Key Takeaway Cultivate virtue to transform pain. Themes virtue compassion transformation Mood thoughtful philosophical Type moral inspirational When to use this quote - conflict resolution - personal growth - leadership - teaching ethics Key Concepts ethical philosophy poetic metaphor moral psychology Questions to Reflect On - Can kindness change a cruel act? - When is firmness necessary? A Different Perspective Virtue alone may not prevent injustice. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Character](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/character/) [Pardon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/pardon/) [Prison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/prison/) [Sandals](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sandals/) [Strikes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/strikes/) [Tree](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/tree/) [Virtue](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/virtue/) ## Related quotes > [“I don't want to win a trip to fucking Sandals!”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/whiskey-britches/i-don-t-want-to-win-a-trip-to-fucking-sandals/) [Whiskey Britches](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/whiskey-britches/) > [I wonder how Admat can be everywhere. Is he in my sandal? Or is he my sandal itself? Why would a god bother to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gail-carson-levine/i-wonder-how-admat-can-be-everywhere-is-he-in-my-sandal-or-is-he-my/) [Gail Carson Levine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gail-carson-levine/) > [My dream is a red dress Above my knees High-heel red sandals And me coming over the top The music booming Hi Howie I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nikki-giovanni/my-dream-is-a-red-dress-above-my-knees-high-heel-red-sandals-and-me/) [Nikki Giovanni](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nikki-giovanni/) > [hough I was creative, I also liked math and science. At Knox College, I studied creative writing and earned a degree in chemistry, thinking…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mary-pope-osborne/hough-i-was-creative-i-also-liked-math-and-science-at-knox-college-i/) [Mary Pope Osborne](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mary-pope-osborne/) > [I'm not from the heart of Atlanta, I'm from the Eastern outskirts. Stone Mountain is the town - Gambino is from there, Danger Mouse…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gucci-mane/i-m-not-from-the-heart-of-atlanta-i-m-from-the-eastern-outskirts/) [Gucci Mane](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gucci-mane/) > [Hollywood's two polar types are the cynically drunken writer aggressively nursing a ten-year-old reputation and the theatrically self-conscious hermit who strides the boulevard in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/christopher-isherwood/hollywood-s-two-polar-types-are-the-cynically-drunken-writer/) [Christopher Isherwood](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/christopher-isherwood/) > [There are many similarities between Germans and blacks. The nouns themselves are loaded with so much historical baggage it's impossible for anyone to be…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paul-beatty/there-are-many-similarities-between-germans-and-blacks-the-nouns/) [Paul Beatty](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paul-beatty/) > [Euclid alone has looked on Beauty bare. Let all who prate of Beauty hold their peace, And lay them prone upon the earth and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edna-st-vincent-millay/euclid-alone-has-looked-on-beauty-bare-let-all-who-prate-of-beauty/) [Edna St. Vincent Millay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edna-st-vincent-millay/) > [I think sandals should be burnt. I hate them - purge them!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/luke-evans/i-think-sandals-should-be-burnt-i-hate-them-purge-them/) [Luke Evans](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/luke-evans/) > [ \[My\] pictures are about memory and forgetfulness. The evidence is dissolving. Bones crumble; human ash returns to soil; teeth, sandals, hair, bullets, axes disperse… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/simon-norfolk/my-pictures-are-about-memory-and-forgetfulness-the-evidence-is/) Simon Norfolk > [The next day she’d examined her red satin sandals and with a frown said, “I’m thinking about buying two snakes.” His are you kidding…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gena-showalter/the-next-day-she-d-examined-her-red-satin-sandals-and-with-a-frown/) [Gena Showalter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gena-showalter/) > [We're looking forward to a great season at the University of California - if we find a way to put cleats on their sandals.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ronald-reagan/we-re-looking-forward-to-a-great-season-at-the-university-of/) [Ronald Reagan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ronald-reagan/) > [Instead of trying to cover the whole world with leather, put on some sandals.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shantideva/instead-of-trying-to-cover-the-whole-world-with-leather-put-on-some/) [Shantideva](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shantideva/) > [“Offence is like muddy soil; when trapped underfoot, it resists rapid progress. Don't trap offences under your mind, else you resist change! Jesus said…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/israelmore-ayivor/offence-is-like-muddy-soil-when-trapped-underfoot-it-resists-rapid/) [Israelmore Ayivor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/israelmore-ayivor/) > [“Sandals. The Sufi teacher Ghulam-Shah was asked what pattern he used in formulating his courses for disciples. He said: 'Barefoot until you can get…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/idries-shah/sandals-the-sufi-teacher-ghulam-shah-was-asked-what-pattern-he-used/) [Idries Shah](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/idries-shah/) ## More by Saadi > [Human beings are members of a whole, In creation of one essence and soul. If one member is afflicted with pain, Other members uneasy…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/saadi/human-beings-are-members-of-a-whole-in-creation-of-one-essence-and/) [Saadi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/saadi/) > [If thou art of elephant-strength or of lion-claw, still peace is, in my opinion, better than strife.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/saadi/if-thou-art-of-elephant-strength-or-of-lion-claw-still-peace-is-in-my/) [Saadi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/saadi/) > [Astride a horse I am not, nor camel-like carry a load, Subjects I have none, nor follow any sultan's code; I worry not for…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/saadi/astride-a-horse-i-am-not-nor-camel-like-carry-a-load-subjects-i-have/) [Saadi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/saadi/) > [Whatever is produced in haste goes hastily to waste.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/saadi/whatever-is-produced-in-haste-goes-hastily-to-waste/) [Saadi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/saadi/) > [The rose and thorn, the treasure and dragon, joy and sorrow, all mingle into one.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/saadi/the-rose-and-thorn-the-treasure-and-dragon-joy-and-sorrow-all-mingle/) [Saadi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/saadi/) > [When the ruler is obedient to God, God is his protector and friend.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/saadi/when-the-ruler-is-obedient-to-god-god-is-his-protector-and-friend/) [Saadi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/saadi/) > [Riches are for the comfort of life, and not life for the accumulation of riches. I asked a holy wise man, "Who is fortunate…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/saadi/riches-are-for-the-comfort-of-life-and-not-life-for-the-accumulation/) [Saadi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/saadi/) > [Where the hand of tyranny is long we do not see the lips of men open with laughter.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/saadi/where-the-hand-of-tyranny-is-long-we-do-not-see-the-lips-of-men-open/) [Saadi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/saadi/) > [All human beings are limbs of the same body. God created them from the same essence. If one part of the body suffers pain,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/saadi/all-human-beings-are-limbs-of-the-same-body-god-created-them-from-the/) [Saadi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/saadi/) > [Roam abroad in the world, and take thy fill of its enjoyments before the day shall come when thou must quit it for good.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/saadi/roam-abroad-in-the-world-and-take-thy-fill-of-its-enjoyments-before/) [Saadi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/saadi/) > [It is wrong to follow the advice of an adversary; nevertheless it is right to hear it, that you may do the contrary; and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/saadi/it-is-wrong-to-follow-the-advice-of-an-adversary-nevertheless-it-is/) [Saadi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/saadi/) > [A man is insensible to the relish of prosperity 'til he has tasted adversity.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/saadi/a-man-is-insensible-to-the-relish-of-prosperity-til-he-has-tasted/) [Saadi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/saadi/) > [If thou art wise, incline to truth; for truth, not the semblance, remains in its place.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/saadi/if-thou-art-wise-incline-to-truth-for-truth-not-the-semblance-remains/) [Saadi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/saadi/) > [Patience accomplishes its object, while hurry speeds to its ruin.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/saadi/patience-accomplishes-its-object-while-hurry-speeds-to-its-ruin/) [Saadi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/saadi/) > [He who, when he hath the power, doeth not good, when he loses the means will suffer distress. There is not a more unfortunate…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/saadi/he-who-when-he-hath-the-power-doeth-not-good-when-he-loses-the-means/) [Saadi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/saadi/) [Explore all 159 Saadi quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/saadi/) ## More Character quotes > [This may sound strange, but although I feel like I know everything about my characters, the brand of shampoo they use, how many cavities…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gail-honeyman/this-may-sound-strange-but-although-i-feel-like-i-know-everything/) [Gail Honeyman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gail-honeyman/) > [I always like a character who makes me laugh.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rachael-stirling/i-always-like-a-character-who-makes-me-laugh/) [Rachael Stirling](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rachael-stirling/) > [Social responsibility above the level of family, or at most of tribe, requires imagination-- devotion, loyalty, all the higher virtues -- which a man…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-a-heinlein/social-responsibility-above-the-level-of-family-or-at-most-of-tribe/) [Robert A. Heinlein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-a-heinlein/) > [Reader, if you are gifted with nerves like mine, aspire to any character but that of a wit.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-lamb/reader-if-you-are-gifted-with-nerves-like-mine-aspire-to-any/) [Charles Lamb](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-lamb/) > [I'm often moved by the circumstances around some of my characters, but I don't think I've actually cried watching myself.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kate-winslet/i-m-often-moved-by-the-circumstances-around-some-of-my-characters-but/) [Kate Winslet](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kate-winslet/) > [When you're on a daytime drama you get one page, you better damn well know your character. You better know what she would do…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-hudgins/when-you-re-on-a-daytime-drama-you-get-one-page-you-better-damn-well/) David Hudgins > [It can sometimes make people fold into themselves and kind of run away, but I think in this case these characters are being forced…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/emily-deschanel/it-can-sometimes-make-people-fold-into-themselves-and-kind-of-run/) [Emily Deschanel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/emily-deschanel/) > [If you are well-mannered towards those whose views are similar to yours, you may be said to exhibit a fairly good character. But, if…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/if-you-are-well-mannered-towards-those-whose-views-are-similar-to/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Democracy is based on the conviction that man has the moral and intellectual capacity, as well as the inalienable right, to govern himself with…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/harry-s-truman/democracy-is-based-on-the-conviction-that-man-has-the-moral-and/) [Harry S. Truman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/harry-s-truman/) > [In the fight between biology and morality, biology has commonly won in the end.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/semir-zeki/in-the-fight-between-biology-and-morality-biology-has-commonly-won-in/) [Semir Zeki](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/semir-zeki/) > [Your looks don't make you pretty, it's the person inside who makes you pretty!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aaron-chan/your-looks-don-t-make-you-pretty-it-s-the-person-inside-who-makes-you/) [Aaron Chan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aaron-chan/) > [I'm not a huge social media kind of guy, so I don't really know, I don't really ever get... at least in real life,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/freddie-stroma/i-m-not-a-huge-social-media-kind-of-guy-so-i-don-t-really-know-i-don/) [Freddie Stroma](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/freddie-stroma/) > [If you stood me in a costume next to a computer graphic of the same-looking character, I think there would be a difference. And…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/warwick-davis/if-you-stood-me-in-a-costume-next-to-a-computer-graphic-of-the-same/) [Warwick Davis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/warwick-davis/) > [Courage: the most important of all the virtues because without courage, you can't practice any other virtue consistently](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/maya-angelou/courage-the-most-important-of-all-the-virtues-because-without-courage/) [Maya Angelou](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/maya-angelou/) > [I'm a character actor - always have been, always will be - and historically, character actors don't come into their own until later in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/annie-potts/i-m-a-character-actor-always-have-been-always-will-be-and/) [Annie Potts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/annie-potts/) [Browse all 32,707 Character quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/character/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "Virtue pardons the wicked, as the sandal-tree perfumes the axe which strikes it.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Saadi" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/saadi/virtue-pardons-the-wicked-as-the-sandal-tree-perfumes-the-axe-which/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Character" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/saadi/virtue-pardons-the-wicked-as-the-sandal-tree-perfumes-the-axe-which/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/51c/saadi-2340_character_virtue-pardons-the-wicked-as-the-sandal_1488299.png", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/51c/saadi-2340_character_virtue-pardons-the-wicked-as-the-sandal_1488299.png", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/51c/saadi-2340_character_virtue-pardons-the-wicked-as-the-sandal_1488299.png", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“Virtue pardons the wicked, as the sandal-tree perfumes the axe which strikes it.” — Saadi", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Saadi", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/saadi/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Virtue pardons the wicked, as the...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/saadi/virtue-pardons-the-wicked-as-the-sandal-tree-perfumes-the-axe-which/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/saadi/virtue-pardons-the-wicked-as-the-sandal-tree-perfumes-the-axe-which/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```