His face is livid, gaunt his whole body, his breath is green with gall; his tongue drips poison.
John Quincy AdamsRead
In charity to all mankind, bearing no malice or ill will to any human being, and even compassionating those who hold in bondage their fellow men, not knowing what they do.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of compassion and forgiveness towards all people, even those who commit wrongdoings.
John Quincy Adams highlights the virtue of charity and understanding in human relationships. He advocates for a mindset free of malice and ill will, encouraging individuals to feel compassion even for those who wrong others, recognizing that ignorance may drive such actions. This perspective fosters a more empathetic and forgiving society, promoting healing and unity over division.
Themes
CharityCompassionForgivenessUnderstandingHumanity
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a community service announcement to promote empathy.
More from John Quincy Adams
All quotes →Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost.
John Quincy AdamsRead
It is among the evils of slavery that it taints the very sources of moral principle. It establishes false estimates of virtue and vice: for what can be more false and heartless than this doctrine which makes the first and holiest rights of humanity to depend upon the color of the skin?
John Quincy AdamsRead
The highest glory of the American Revolution was this: it connected in one indissoluble bond the principles of civil government with the principles of Christianity.
John Quincy AdamsRead
I have no predilection for unpopularity as such, but I hold it much preferable to the popularity of a day, which perishes with the transient topic upon which it is grounded.
John Quincy AdamsRead
According to the Stoics, all vice was resolvable into folly: according to the Christian principle, it is all the effect of weakness.
John Quincy AdamsRead
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Let the voice of the people be heard!
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Those who remain silent are responsible.
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