Sense shines with a double luster when it is set in humility. An able yet humble man is a jewel worth a kingdom.
William PennRead
Dislike what deserves it, but never hate: for that is of the nature of malice; which is almost ever to persons, not things, and is one of the blackest qualities sin begets in the soul.
Interpretation
What this quote means
It’s acceptable to dislike actions or behaviors that deserve criticism, but harboring hate is destructive and rooted in malice.
William Penn's quote emphasizes the importance of discerning our feelings towards actions rather than the individuals themselves. While it is natural to dislike behaviors that harm or offend, allowing hate to fester within us leads to malice, which taints our character and emotional well-being. Hate can consume us and push us towards negative influences, whereas constructive criticism directed at actions can foster improvement and growth.
Themes
HateDislikeMaliceActionsEmotionsPhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
In a debate about social issues, this quote can be used to highlight the importance of critiquing the action without dehumanizing individuals.
More from William Penn
All quotes →Where thou art Obliged to speak, be sure speak the Truth: For Equivocation is half way to Lying, as Lying, the whole way to Hell.
William PennRead
Man, being made reasonable, and so a thinking creature, there is nothing more worthy of his being than the right direction and employment of his thoughts; since upon this depends both his usefulness to the public, and his own present and future benefit in all respects.
William PennRead
Do good with what thou hast, or it will do thee no good.
William PennRead
To be a man's own fool is bad enough, but the vain man is everybody's.
William PennRead
Unless virtue guide us our choice must be wrong.
William PennRead
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