"Let your enemies be disarmed by the gentleness of your manner, but at the same time let them feel, the steadiness of your resentment"
- Lord Chesterfield
About this Quote
In this quote, Lord Chesterfield provides guidance on how to deal with opponents and possible disputes. He advises individuals to deactivate their opponents by showing a mild and kind manner, which suggests approaching disputes with diplomacy rather than aggression. By doing so, opponents might be caught off guard or disarmed, possibly cultivating a more cooperative atmosphere. Nevertheless, Lord Chesterfield likewise stresses the value of keeping a sense of firmness and resolve. He recommends that while one should show gentleness, enemies ought to likewise be aware of one's steady determination and determination. This mix of gentleness and steadfastness can help browse disputes successfully while ensuring individual limits and goals are maintained.
"Give us grace and strength to forbear and to persevere. Give us courage and gaiety and the quiet mind, spare to us our friends, soften to us our enemies"
"A man who was completely innocent, offered himself as a sacrifice for the good of others, including his enemies, and became the ransom of the world. It was a perfect act"
"Have we not come to such an impasse in the modern world that we must love our enemies - or else? The chain reaction of evil - hate begetting hate, wars producing more wars - must be broken, or else we shall be plunged into the dark abyss of annihilation"