First place Quote by William Makepeace Thackeray
““..though Miss Rebecca Sharp has twice had occasion to thank Heaven, it has been, in the first place, for ridding her of some person whom she hated, and secondly, for enabling her to bring her enemies to some sort of perplexity or confusion; neither of which are very amiable motives for religious gratitude,””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Vanity Fair, 1848
Gratitude expressed for divine removal of an enemy can be morally ambiguous, revealing self‑interest rather than genuine piety.
In simple terms: Thanking God for getting rid of a hated person shows selfish motives.
Key Takeaway
Beware of gratitude that masks personal vendettas.
Themes
morality
gratitude
self‑interest
religion
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal grudges
- religious reflection
- ethical debates
- literary analysis
Key Concepts
ethical philosophy
psychology of revenge
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you ever thank fate for removing obstacles?
- How does this affect your moral view?
A Different Perspective
Such gratitude can undermine true spiritual humility.
