Ends Quote by William Penn
“A good end sanctify evil means; not must we ever do evil, that good might come of it. We are ready to retaliate, rather than forgive or gain by love and information . . . Force may subdue, but love gains. And one that forgives first wins the laurel.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: Some Fruits of the Commonwealth, 1693
Good can arise from evil actions, but forgiveness ultimately triumphs over force and retaliation.
In simple terms: Evil may bring good, but forgiveness wins.
Key Takeaway
Choose forgiveness over vengeance.
Themes
forgiveness
power
morality
conflict resolution
ethics
Mood
reflective
hopeful
Type
ethical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- family crisis
- legal disputes
- personal grudges
- social activism
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
human nature
justice
Questions to Reflect On
- Can forgiveness change outcomes more than force?
- When is retaliation justified?
A Different Perspective
Force can suppress but cannot sustain lasting peace.
