Art is the daughter of freedom.
Friedrich SchillerRead
Revenge is barren of itself: it is the dreadful food it feeds on; its delight is murder, and its end is despair.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Revenge ultimately leads to destruction and despair rather than satisfaction.
This quote by Friedrich Schiller reflects on the nature of revenge, suggesting that while it may seem satisfying in the moment, it ultimately leads to a cycle of violence and despair. Schiller emphasizes that revenge is a hollow pursuit that feeds on itself, suggesting that the desire for revenge only brings about further suffering rather than resolution or joy.
Themes
RevengeDespairSufferingViolenceForgiveness
In practice
Example use cases
During a discussion on the consequences of holding grudges, one might reference Schiller's quote to emphasize the futility of revenge.
More from Friedrich Schiller
All quotes βThere is no such thing as chance; and what seem to us merest accident springs from the deepest source of destiny.
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Who dares nothing, need hope for nothing.
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While the womanly god demands our veneration, the godlike woman kindles our love; but while we allow ourselves to melt in the celestial loveliness, the celestial self-sufficiency holds us back in awe.
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As noble Art has survived noble nature, so too she marches ahead of it, fashioning and awakening by her inspiration. Before Truth sends her triumphant light into the depths of the heart, imagination catches its rays, and the peaks of humanity will be glowing when humid night still lingers in the valleys.
Friedrich SchillerRead
Wise to resolve, patient to perform.
Friedrich SchillerRead
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