Men are but children of a larger growth, Our appetites as apt to change as theirs, And full as craving too, and full as vain.
John DrydenRead
Forgiveness to the injured does belong; but they ne'er pardon who have done wrong.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Forgiveness is essential for those who have been wronged, but those who commit wrongs rarely offer genuine forgiveness.
This quote by John Dryden emphasizes the importance of forgiveness for those who have been hurt. It suggests that while it is the responsibility of the injured party to forgive, those who have caused harm often lack the capacity for true repentance or pardon, highlighting the complex dynamics of relationships and human behavior.
Themes
ForgivenessInjuryPardonRelationshipsWrongdoing
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about reconciliation, this quote can highlight the need for forgiveness.
More from John Dryden
All quotes βOf no distemper, of no blast he died, _x000D_ But fell like autumn fruit that mellow'd long: _x000D_ Even wonder'd at, because he dropp'd no sooner. _x000D_ Fate seem'd to wind him up for fourscore years; _x000D_ Yet freshly ran he on ten winters more; _x000D_ Till like a clock worn out with eating time, _x000D_ The wheels of weary life at last stood still.
John DrydenRead
Or hast thou known the world so long in vain?
John DrydenRead
Shame on the body for breaking down while the spirit perseveres.
John DrydenRead
Love reckons hours for months, and days for years; and every little absence is an age.
John DrydenRead
And write whatever Time shall bring to pass_x000D_ _x000D_ With pens of adamant on plates of brass.
John DrydenRead
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