# Quotes about revenge - Quotes: 66 - Authors: 52 - Broader topic: [Quotes about relationships](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/relationships.md) - Topic page: https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/revenge - JSON version (same data): https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/revenge.json ## Quotes > Let someone arise from my bones as an Avenger. [Virgil](https://www.leafyquotes.com/virgil.md) · [The Aeneid](https://www.leafyquotes.com/virgil/the-aeneid.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/virgil/the-aeneid/let-someone-arise.md) Topics: [revenge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/revenge.md) > This world is full of broken things. Broken hearts, broken promises, broken men, broken people. This world, too, is a fragile construct, a honeycomb place where the past leaches into the present, where the weight of blood guilt and old sins causes lives to collapse and forces children to lie with the remains of their fathers in the tangled ruins of the aftermath. > > I am broken, and I have broken in return. Now I wonder how much hurt can be visited upon others before the universe takes action, before some outside force decides that enough has been endured. I once thought that it was a question of balance, but I no longer believe that. I think that what I have done was out of all proportion to what was done to me, but that is the nature of the revenge. It escalates. It cannot be controlled. One hurt invites another, on and on until the original injury is all but forgotten in the chaos of what follows. > > I was a revenger once. I will be one no more. > > But this world is full of broken things. [John Connolly](https://www.leafyquotes.com/john-connolly.md) · [The Unquiet](https://www.leafyquotes.com/john-connolly/the-unquiet.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/john-connolly/the-unquiet/this-world-is-full.md) Topics: [revenge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/revenge.md) > This is certain, that a man that studieth revenge, keeps his own wounds green, which otherwise would heal, and do well. [Francis Bacon](https://www.leafyquotes.com/francis-bacon.md) · [The Essays](https://www.leafyquotes.com/francis-bacon/the-essays.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/francis-bacon/the-essays/this-is-certain.md) Topics: [revenge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/revenge.md) > Some, when they take revenge, are desirous, the party should know, whence it cometh. This is the more generous. For the delight seemeth to be, not so much in doing the hurt, as in making the party repent. [Francis Bacon](https://www.leafyquotes.com/francis-bacon.md) · [The Essays](https://www.leafyquotes.com/francis-bacon/the-essays.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/francis-bacon/the-essays/some-when-they.md) Topics: [revenge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/revenge.md) > Certainly, in taking revenge, a man is but even with his enemy; but in passing it over, he is superior; for it is a prince's part to pardon. [Francis Bacon](https://www.leafyquotes.com/francis-bacon.md) · [The Essays](https://www.leafyquotes.com/francis-bacon/the-essays.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/francis-bacon/the-essays/certainly-in-taking.md) Topics: [forgiveness](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/forgiveness.md), [revenge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/revenge.md) > Vindictive persons live the life of witches; who, as they are mischievous, so end they infortunate... [Francis Bacon](https://www.leafyquotes.com/francis-bacon.md) · [The Essays](https://www.leafyquotes.com/francis-bacon/the-essays.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/francis-bacon/the-essays/vindictive-persons-live.md) Topics: [revenge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/revenge.md) > Revenge is a kind of wild justice; which the more man's nature runs to, the more ought law to weed it out. [Francis Bacon](https://www.leafyquotes.com/francis-bacon.md) · [The Essays](https://www.leafyquotes.com/francis-bacon/the-essays.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/francis-bacon/the-essays/revenge-is-a-kind.md) Topics: [revenge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/revenge.md) > It is exactly the fear of revenge that motivates the deepest crimes, from the killing of the enemy’s children less they grow up to play their own part, to the erasure of the enemy’s graveyards and holy places so that his hated name can be forgotten. [Christopher Hitchens](https://www.leafyquotes.com/christopher-hitchens.md) · [Hitch 22](https://www.leafyquotes.com/christopher-hitchens/hitch-22.md) · p. 372 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/christopher-hitchens/hitch-22/it-is-exactly.md) Topics: [revenge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/revenge.md) > The very basis of true peace of mind is a benevolent wish to see all the world as happy as one's Self; and from my soul do I pity the selfish churl, who, remembering the little bickerings of anger, envy, and fifty other disagreeables to which frail mortality is subject, would wish to revenge the affront which pride whispers him he has received. [Susanna Rowson](https://www.leafyquotes.com/susanna-rowson.md) · [Charlotte Temple](https://www.leafyquotes.com/susanna-rowson/charlotte-temple.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/susanna-rowson/charlotte-temple/the-very-basis.md) Topics: [kindness](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/kindness.md), [peace of mind](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/peace-of-mind.md), [revenge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/revenge.md) > “How can you—how dare you have such wicked, revengeful thoughts?” > > “Revenge may be wicked, but it’s natural,” answered Miss Rebecca. “I’m no angel.” And, to say the truth, she certainly was not. [William Makepeace Thackeray](https://www.leafyquotes.com/william-makepeace-thackeray.md) · [Vanity Fair](https://www.leafyquotes.com/william-makepeace-thackeray/vanity-fair.md) · p. 12 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/william-makepeace-thackeray/vanity-fair/how-can-you-how.md) Topics: [revenge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/revenge.md) > “They say revenge is empty.” > > “This is my first try at it,” Holden said. “Forgive me if my opinions on it are fairly unformed.” [James S. A. Corey](https://www.leafyquotes.com/james-s-a-corey.md) · [Cibola Burn](https://www.leafyquotes.com/james-s-a-corey/cibola-burn.md) · p. 537 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/james-s-a-corey/cibola-burn/they-say-revenge.md) Topics: [humor](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/humor.md), [revenge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/revenge.md) > Kill, if you must, because in our weakness and in our error, we have found no other road to peace, but kill remorsefully, kill with a sense of sorrow, kill with economy for the immortal souls who leave this life in battle, carry mercy in your cartridge cases, forgiveness in your knapsacks, kill without revenge, because vengeance is not yours but the Lord’s, kill, knowing that each life you spend makes your life that much the poorer. [Irwin Shaw](https://www.leafyquotes.com/irwin-shaw.md) · [The Young Lions](https://www.leafyquotes.com/irwin-shaw/the-young-lions.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/irwin-shaw/the-young-lions/kill-if-you.md) Topics: [war](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/war.md), [forgiveness](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/forgiveness.md), [revenge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/revenge.md) > The important thing is not to torment yourself with anger, hatred, fantasies of revenge, but to move instantly to acceptance. That can be hard. > > Russian: Главное – не терзать себя гневом, ненавистью, и фантазиями о мести. А мгновенно прийти к принятию. Это может быть очень непросто. [Alexei Navalny](https://www.leafyquotes.com/alexei-navalny.md) · [Patriot](https://www.leafyquotes.com/alexei-navalny/patriot.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/alexei-navalny/patriot/the-important-thing.md) Topics: [anger](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/anger.md), [acceptance](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/acceptance.md), [revenge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/revenge.md) > When your laboratory explodes, lacing your body with a supercharged elixir, what do you do? You don't just lie there. You crawl out of the rubble, hideously scarred, and swear vengeance on the world. You keep going. You keep trying to take over the world. [Austin Grossman](https://www.leafyquotes.com/austin-grossman.md) · [Soon I Will be Invincible](https://www.leafyquotes.com/austin-grossman/soon-i-will-be-invincible.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/austin-grossman/soon-i-will-be-invincible/when-your-laboratory.md) Topics: [perseverance](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/perseverance.md), [revenge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/revenge.md) > She found, however, that revenge hurts nobody quite so much as the one who tries to inflict it. [Lucy Maud Montgomery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/lucy-maud-montgomery.md) · [Anne of the Island](https://www.leafyquotes.com/lucy-maud-montgomery/anne-of-the-island.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/lucy-maud-montgomery/anne-of-the-island/she-found-however.md) Topics: [revenge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/revenge.md) > Do you see us slavering for revenge, that most pointlessly biological of imperatives? [Alastair Reynolds](https://www.leafyquotes.com/alastair-reynolds.md) · [House of Suns](https://www.leafyquotes.com/alastair-reynolds/house-of-suns.md) · p. 558 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/alastair-reynolds/house-of-suns/do-you-see.md) Topics: [revenge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/revenge.md) > So long as men remember the wrongs done to their forebears, no peace will ever exist. [George RR Martin](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-rr-martin.md) · [A Dance with Dragons](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-rr-martin/a-dance-with-dragons.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-rr-martin/a-dance-with-dragons/so-long-as-men.md) Topics: [history](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/history.md), [memory](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/memory.md), [peace](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/peace.md), [revenge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/revenge.md) > It is too late for ifs, and too late for rescues. All that matters now is vengeance. [George RR Martin](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-rr-martin.md) · [A Storm of Swords](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-rr-martin/a-storm-of-swords.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-rr-martin/a-storm-of-swords/it-is-too.md) Topics: [revenge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/revenge.md) > “You want a motive, William? I’ve got a motive. Vengeance may not be a pretty word, but it’s what’s expected of us.” > > “Right!” said Sverre. “We owe it to all those millions of dead people to make more millions of dead people. Be careful how you rewrite strategic doctrine, General, or you’ll come out of this war without a single medal.” [James Morrow](https://www.leafyquotes.com/james-morrow.md) · [This Is the Way the World Ends](https://www.leafyquotes.com/james-morrow/this-is-the-way-the-world-ends.md) · p. 80 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/james-morrow/this-is-the-way-the-world-ends/you-want-a-motive.md) Topics: [war](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/war.md), [revenge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/revenge.md) > Revenge is for dreams...never for reality. [Alfred Bester](https://www.leafyquotes.com/alfred-bester.md) · [The Stars My Destination](https://www.leafyquotes.com/alfred-bester/the-stars-my-destination.md) · p. 194 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/alfred-bester/the-stars-my-destination/revenge-is-for.md) Topics: [revenge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/revenge.md) > She seldom bothered taking revenge. Time did that for her, eventually. [Poul Anderson](https://www.leafyquotes.com/poul-anderson.md) · [The Boat of a Million Years](https://www.leafyquotes.com/poul-anderson/the-boat-of-a-million-years.md) · p. 281 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/poul-anderson/the-boat-of-a-million-years/she-seldom-bothered.md) Topics: [time](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/time.md), [revenge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/revenge.md) > When you begin a journey of revenge, start by digging two graves: one for your enemy, and one for yourself. [Jodi Picoult](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jodi-picoult.md) · [Nineteen Minutes](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jodi-picoult/nineteen-minutes.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jodi-picoult/nineteen-minutes/when-you-begin.md) Topics: [revenge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/revenge.md) > I'd be glad of a retaliation that wouldn't recoil on myself; but treachery and violence are spears pointed at both ends; they wound those who resort to them worse than their enemies. [Emily Brontë](https://www.leafyquotes.com/emily-bronte.md) · [Wuthering Heights](https://www.leafyquotes.com/emily-bronte/wuthering-heights.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/emily-bronte/wuthering-heights/id-be-glad.md) Topics: [violence](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/violence.md), [revenge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/revenge.md) > I get levers and mattocks to demolish the two houses, and train myself to be capable of working like Hercules, and when every thing is ready and in my power, I find the will to lift a slate off either roof has vanished! My old enemies have not beaten me — now would be the precise time to revenge myself on their representatives. I could do it, and none could hinder me; but where is the use? I don't care for striking — I can't take the trouble to raise my hand! That sounds as if I had been labouring the whole time only to exhibit a fine trait of magnanimity. It is far from being the case. I have lost the faculty of enjoying their destruction, and I am too idle to destroy for nothing. [Emily Brontë](https://www.leafyquotes.com/emily-bronte.md) · [Wuthering Heights](https://www.leafyquotes.com/emily-bronte/wuthering-heights.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/emily-bronte/wuthering-heights/i-get-levers.md) Topics: [revenge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/revenge.md) > What can I tell you, Laura? That I confused justice and revenge? People do that a great deal, and they always have. [Peter S. Beagle](https://www.leafyquotes.com/peter-s-beagle.md) · [A Fine and Private Place](https://www.leafyquotes.com/peter-s-beagle/a-fine-and-private-place.md) · p. 206 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/peter-s-beagle/a-fine-and-private-place/what-can-i-tell.md) Topics: [justice](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/justice.md), [revenge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/revenge.md) > For her it was a slippery descent into a labyrinth where twin urges fought, revenge versus survival. These two instincts, already ancient before the first hominid walked, rarely married with any security. Yet if she did not feel the pinch of their competition, she would not be, by her own judgment, a true human. [Gregory Benford](https://www.leafyquotes.com/gregory-benford.md) · [Beyond Infinity](https://www.leafyquotes.com/gregory-benford/beyond-infinity.md) · p. 53 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/gregory-benford/beyond-infinity/for-her-it-was.md) Topics: [survival](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/survival.md), [revenge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/revenge.md) > Let's never try to get even with our enemies, because if we do we will hurt ourselves far more than we hurt them. Let's do as General Eisenhower does: let's never waste a minute thinking about people we don't like. [Dale Carnegie](https://www.leafyquotes.com/dale-carnegie.md) · [How to Stop Worrying and Start Living](https://www.leafyquotes.com/dale-carnegie/how-to-stop-worrying-and-start-living.md) · p. 101 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/dale-carnegie/how-to-stop-worrying-and-start-living/lets-never-try.md) Topics: [revenge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/revenge.md), [enemies](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/enemies.md) > God have mercy on his miserable soul! and make him see and feel his guilt — I ask no other vengeance! If he could but fully know and truly feel my wrongs I should be well avenged, and I could freely pardon all. [Anne Brontë](https://www.leafyquotes.com/anne-bronte.md) · [The Tenant of Wildfell Hall](https://www.leafyquotes.com/anne-bronte/the-tenant-of-wildfell-hall.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/anne-bronte/the-tenant-of-wildfell-hall/god-have-mercy.md) Topics: [guilt](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/guilt.md), [forgiveness](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/forgiveness.md), [revenge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/revenge.md) > Revenge! No — what good would that do? — it would make him no better, and me no happier. [Anne Brontë](https://www.leafyquotes.com/anne-bronte.md) · [The Tenant of Wildfell Hall](https://www.leafyquotes.com/anne-bronte/the-tenant-of-wildfell-hall.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/anne-bronte/the-tenant-of-wildfell-hall/revenge-no-what.md) Topics: [revenge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/revenge.md) > Though I hate him from my heart, and should rejoice at any calamity that could befall him, I'll leave him to God; and though I abhor my own life, I'll leave that, too, to Him that gave it. [Anne Brontë](https://www.leafyquotes.com/anne-bronte.md) · [The Tenant of Wildfell Hall](https://www.leafyquotes.com/anne-bronte/the-tenant-of-wildfell-hall.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/anne-bronte/the-tenant-of-wildfell-hall/though-i-hate.md) Topics: [god](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/god.md), [hatred](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/hatred.md), [revenge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/revenge.md) > "Silence is the tortured man's revenge." [Gregory David Roberts](https://www.leafyquotes.com/gregory-david-roberts.md) · [Shantaram](https://www.leafyquotes.com/gregory-david-roberts/shantaram.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/gregory-david-roberts/shantaram/silence-is-the.md) Topics: [silence](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/silence.md), [revenge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/revenge.md) > And now, farewell to kindness, humanity and gratitude… I have substituted myself for Providence in rewarding the good; may the God of vengeance now yield me His place to punish the wicked. [Alexandre Dumas](https://www.leafyquotes.com/alexandre-dumas.md) · [The Count of Monte Cristo](https://www.leafyquotes.com/alexandre-dumas/the-count-of-monte-cristo.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/alexandre-dumas/the-count-of-monte-cristo/and-now-farewell.md) Topics: [revenge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/revenge.md) > "I wouldn't destroy an entire house to destroy one man. But I would destroy a man to destroy a house." [Megan Whalen Turner](https://www.leafyquotes.com/megan-whalen-turner.md) · [The King of Attolia](https://www.leafyquotes.com/megan-whalen-turner/the-king-of-attolia.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/megan-whalen-turner/the-king-of-attolia/i-wouldnt-destroy.md) Topics: [power](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/power.md), [revenge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/revenge.md) > Retribution—ah, my friend, retribution is the sweetest of all sweet dark dreams. [Stephen Donaldson](https://www.leafyquotes.com/stephen-donaldson.md) · [The Power That Preserves](https://www.leafyquotes.com/stephen-donaldson/the-power-that-preserves.md) · p. 392 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/stephen-donaldson/the-power-that-preserves/retribution-ah-my-friend.md) Topics: [revenge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/revenge.md) > Let him remember that many before now have tried to chastise a wrongdoer, and failing to punish their enemy have not even saved themselves; while many who have trusted in force to gain an advantage, instead of gaining anything more, have been doomed to lose what they had. Vengeance is not necessarily successful because wrong has been done, or strength sure because it is confident; but the incalculable element in the future exercises the widest influence, and is the most treacherous, and yet in fact the most useful of all things, as it frightens us all equally, and thus makes us consider before attacking each other. [Thucydides](https://www.leafyquotes.com/thucydides.md) · [History of the Peloponnesian War](https://www.leafyquotes.com/thucydides/history-of-the-peloponnesian-war.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/thucydides/history-of-the-peloponnesian-war/let-him-remember.md) Topics: [war](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/war.md), [revenge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/revenge.md) > We had both learned from the Gardener that old vengeance is like old cake: still seeming sweet, but so dry that one invariably chokes on it. [Sheri S. Tepper](https://www.leafyquotes.com/sheri-s-tepper.md) · [The Margarets](https://www.leafyquotes.com/sheri-s-tepper/the-margarets.md) · p. 398 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/sheri-s-tepper/the-margarets/we-had-both.md) Topics: [revenge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/revenge.md) > “To us it does not seem that long ago, possibly because our children hear stories told around the fire of things which happened fifteen centuries back. Such stories carry an immediacy one does not get from books.…” > > “Which is why some countries carry such old grudges,” offered Marianne. “What children learn at their grandmas’ knees they act upon as though it happened yesterday.” > > He nodded gravely, even sadly. “Perhaps that is true. Those who have an oral tradition full of old wrongs and old revenge do seem to fight the same battles forever. If the Irish were not forever singing of their ancient wrongs—or writing poetry about it…well, we see the result in every morning’s newspapers.” [Sheri S. Tepper](https://www.leafyquotes.com/sheri-s-tepper.md) · [Marianne, the Magus and the Manticore](https://www.leafyquotes.com/sheri-s-tepper/marianne-the-magus-and-the-manticore.md) · p. 67 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/sheri-s-tepper/marianne-the-magus-and-the-manticore/to-us-it-does.md) Topics: [history](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/history.md), [revenge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/revenge.md), [tradition](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/tradition.md) > For when women take revenge, it is with all their hearts and souls, not to mention considerable inventiveness and ingenuity [Alice Borchardt](https://www.leafyquotes.com/alice-borchardt.md) · [The Dragon Queen](https://www.leafyquotes.com/alice-borchardt/the-dragon-queen.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/alice-borchardt/the-dragon-queen/for-when-women.md) Topics: [women](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/women.md), [revenge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/revenge.md) > What vengeance is this? That he should slumber while I endure? Blood douses no hatred, cleanses no sin. Like seed, it spills of its own volition, and leaves naught but sorrow in its wake. [R. Scott Bakker](https://www.leafyquotes.com/r-scott-bakker.md) · [The Warrior-Prophet](https://www.leafyquotes.com/r-scott-bakker/the-warrior-prophet.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/r-scott-bakker/the-warrior-prophet/what-vengeance-is-this.md) Topics: [revenge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/revenge.md) > We underestimated the vindictiveness of mankind. Their retrospective tribunals. Their visiting of punishments on the children of the perpetrators. They never forgave us. [Stephen Baxter](https://www.leafyquotes.com/stephen-baxter.md) · [Ultima](https://www.leafyquotes.com/stephen-baxter/ultima.md) · p. 292 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/stephen-baxter/ultima/we-underestimated-the.md) Topics: [forgiveness](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/forgiveness.md), [revenge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/revenge.md) > I have always disbelieved that Sicilian saying about revenge being a dish best served cold. I feel that--don't you?--when I see blinking, quivering octogenarian Nazi war criminals being led away in chains. Why not then? It's too late now. I want to see them taken back in time and punished then...Blame, certainly, is a dish only edible when served fresh and warm. Old blames, grudges and scores congeal and curdle and cause the most terrible indigestion. [Stephen Fry](https://www.leafyquotes.com/stephen-fry.md) · [Moab Is My Washpot](https://www.leafyquotes.com/stephen-fry/moab-is-my-washpot.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/stephen-fry/moab-is-my-washpot/i-have-always.md) Topics: [guilt](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/guilt.md), [revenge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/revenge.md) > "Revenge is part of the illusion of self. How can a man kill that which neither lives nor dies truly, but which exists only as a reflection of the Absolute?" > > "You did a pretty good job of it, though, even if, as you say, it was only a rearrangement." > > "Thank you." [Roger Zelazny](https://www.leafyquotes.com/roger-zelazny.md) · [Lord of Light](https://www.leafyquotes.com/roger-zelazny/lord-of-light.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/roger-zelazny/lord-of-light/revenge-is-part.md) Topics: [revenge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/revenge.md), [Buddhism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/buddhism.md) > Is the accuser always holy now? Were they born this morning as clean as God's fingers? I'll tell you what's walking Salem — vengeance is walking Salem. We are what we always were in Salem, but now the little crazy children are jangling the keys of the kingdom, and common vengeance writes the law! This warrant's vengeance! I'll not give my wife to vengeance! [Arthur Miller](https://www.leafyquotes.com/arthur-miller.md) · [The Crucible](https://www.leafyquotes.com/arthur-miller/the-crucible.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/arthur-miller/the-crucible/is-the-accuser.md) Topics: [justice](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/justice.md), [revenge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/revenge.md) > Hunger for vengeance poisoned the soul. [Steven Erikson](https://www.leafyquotes.com/steven-erikson.md) · [Gardens Of The Moon](https://www.leafyquotes.com/steven-erikson/gardens-of-the-moon.md) · p. 153 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/steven-erikson/gardens-of-the-moon/hunger-for-vengeance.md) Topics: [revenge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/revenge.md) > If you know even as little history as I do, it is hard not to doubt the efficacy of modern war as a solution to any problem except that of retribution — the “justice” of exchanging one damage for another. [Wendell Berry](https://www.leafyquotes.com/wendell-berry.md) · [Citizenship Papers](https://www.leafyquotes.com/wendell-berry/citizenship-papers.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/wendell-berry/citizenship-papers/if-you-know.md) Topics: [war](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/war.md), [revenge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/revenge.md) > There is nothing funny about Halloween. This sarcastic festival reflects, rather, an infernal demand for revenge by children on the adult world. [Jean Baudrillard](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jean-baudrillard.md) · [America](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jean-baudrillard/america.md) · p. 48 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jean-baudrillard/america/there-is-nothing.md) Topics: [children](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/children.md), [revenge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/revenge.md) > If we aim deliberately at the impoverishment of Central Europe, vengeance, I dare predict, will not limp. [John Maynard Keynes](https://www.leafyquotes.com/john-maynard-keynes.md) · [The Economic Consequences of the Peace](https://www.leafyquotes.com/john-maynard-keynes/the-economic-consequences-of-the-peace.md) · p. 268 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/john-maynard-keynes/the-economic-consequences-of-the-peace/if-we-aim.md) Topics: [revenge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/revenge.md) > By the sacred earth on which I kneel, by the shades that wander near me, by the deep and eternal grief that I feel, I swear; and by thee, O Night, and the spirits that preside over thee, to pursue the daemon who caused this misery, until he or I shall perish in mortal conflict. For this purpose I will preserve my life; to execute this dear revenge will I again behold the sun and tread the green herbage of earth, which otherwise should vanish from my eyes forever. And I call on you, spirits of the dead, and on you, wandering ministers of vengeance, to aid and conduct me in my work. Let the cursed and hellish monster drink deep of agony; let him feel the despair that now torments me. [Mary Shelley](https://www.leafyquotes.com/mary-shelley.md) · [Frankenstein](https://www.leafyquotes.com/mary-shelley/frankenstein.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/mary-shelley/frankenstein/by-the-sacred.md) Topics: [revenge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/revenge.md) > Oh! When will my guiding spirit, in conducting me to the daemon, allow me the rest I so much desire; or must I die, and he yet live? If I do, swear to me, Walton, that he shall not escape, that you will seek him and satisfy my vengeance in his death. And do I dare to ask of you to undertake my pilgrimage, to endure the hardships that I have undergone? No; I am not so selfish. Yet, when I am dead, if he should appear, if the ministers of vengeance should conduct him to you, swear that he shall not live – swear that he shall not triumph over my accumulated woes and survive to add to the list of his dark crimes. He is eloquent and persuasive, and once his words had even power over my heart; but trust him not. His soul is as hellish as his form, full of treachery and fiend-like malice. Hear him not... [Mary Shelley](https://www.leafyquotes.com/mary-shelley.md) · [Frankenstein](https://www.leafyquotes.com/mary-shelley/frankenstein.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/mary-shelley/frankenstein/oh-when-will.md) Topics: [revenge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/revenge.md) > I had feelings of affection, and they were requited by detestation and scorn. Man! You may hate, but beware! Your hours will pass in dread and misery, and soon the bolt will fall which must ravish from you your happiness forever. Are you to be happy while I grovel in the intensity of my wretchedness? You can blast my other passions, but revenge remains – revenge, henceforth dearer than light or food! I may die, but first you, my tyrant and tormentor, shall curse the sun that gazes on your misery. Beware, for I am fearless and therefore powerful. I will watch with the wiliness of a snake, that I may sting with its venom. Man, you shall repent of the injuries you inflict. [Mary Shelley](https://www.leafyquotes.com/mary-shelley.md) · [Frankenstein](https://www.leafyquotes.com/mary-shelley/frankenstein.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/mary-shelley/frankenstein/i-had-feelings.md) Topics: [revenge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/revenge.md) > I am content to reason with you. I am malicious because I am miserable. Am I not shunned and hated by all mankind? You, my creator, would tear me to pieces and triumph; remember that, and tell me why I should pity man more than he pities me? ... Shall I respect man when he condemns me? Let him live with me in the interchange of kindness, and instead of injury I would bestow every benefit upon him with tears of gratitude at his acceptance. But that cannot be; the human senses are insurmountable barriers to our union. Yet mine shall not be the submission of abject slavery. I will revenge my injuries; if I cannot inspire love, I will cause fear, and chiefly towards you my arch-enemy, because my creator, do I swear inextinguishable hatred. Have a care; I will work at your destruction, nor finish until I desolate your heart, so that you shall curse the hour of your birth. [Mary Shelley](https://www.leafyquotes.com/mary-shelley.md) · [Frankenstein](https://www.leafyquotes.com/mary-shelley/frankenstein.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/mary-shelley/frankenstein/i-am-content.md) Topics: [suffering](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/suffering.md), [hatred](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/hatred.md), [revenge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/revenge.md) > I shall revenge myself in the cruelest way you can imagine. I shall forget it. [John Steinbeck](https://www.leafyquotes.com/john-steinbeck.md) · [The Winter of Our Discontent](https://www.leafyquotes.com/john-steinbeck/the-winter-of-our-discontent.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/john-steinbeck/the-winter-of-our-discontent/i-shall-revenge.md) Topics: [forgiveness](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/forgiveness.md), [revenge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/revenge.md) > Important rule of professorcraft: never show resentment at a student insult — wait and get them later. [Robertson Davies](https://www.leafyquotes.com/robertson-davies.md) · [The Cornish Trilogy](https://www.leafyquotes.com/robertson-davies/the-cornish-trilogy.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/robertson-davies/the-cornish-trilogy/important-rule-of-professorcraft.md) Topics: [humor](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/humor.md), [revenge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/revenge.md), [teachers](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/teachers.md) > Oh, Wally, never go to law for simple vengeance; that's not what law is for. Redress, yes; vengeance, no. [Robertson Davies](https://www.leafyquotes.com/robertson-davies.md) · [The Salterton Trilogy](https://www.leafyquotes.com/robertson-davies/the-salterton-trilogy.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/robertson-davies/the-salterton-trilogy/oh-wally-never.md) Topics: [law](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/law.md), [revenge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/revenge.md) > A man who has blown all his options can't afford the luxury of changing his ways. He has to capitalize on whatever he has left, and he can't afford to admit — no matter how often he's reminded of it — that every day of his life takes him farther and farther down a blind alley... Very few toads in this world are Prince Charmings in disguise. Most are simply toads... and they are going to stay that way... Toads don't make laws or change any basic structures, but one or two rooty insights can work powerful changes in the way they get through life. A toad who believes he got a raw deal before he even knew who was dealing will usually be sympathetic to the mean, vindictive ignorance that colors the Hell's Angels' view of humanity. There is not much mental distance between a feeling of having been screwed and the ethic of total retaliation, or at least the random revenge that comes with outraging the public decency. [Hunter S. Thompson](https://www.leafyquotes.com/hunter-s-thompson.md) · [Hell's Angels](https://www.leafyquotes.com/hunter-s-thompson/hells-angels.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/hunter-s-thompson/hells-angels/a-man-who.md) Topics: [life](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/life.md), [revenge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/revenge.md) > Revenge is not an ignoble motive, when it works to a productive end. [Jack Vance](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jack-vance.md) · [The Star King](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jack-vance/the-star-king.md) · p. 28 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jack-vance/the-star-king/revenge-is-not.md) Topics: [revenge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/revenge.md) > No, no, no, Hooch told himself silently. Getting even don't amount to nothing in this world. Getting even only gets you behind. The best revenge is to get rich enough to make them all call you sir, that's how you get even with these boys. [Orson Scott Card](https://www.leafyquotes.com/orson-scott-card.md) · [Red Prophet](https://www.leafyquotes.com/orson-scott-card/red-prophet.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/orson-scott-card/red-prophet/no-no-no-hooch.md) Topics: [money](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/money.md), [revenge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/revenge.md) > Violence does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls into the pit which he digs for another. [Arthur Conan Doyle](https://www.leafyquotes.com/arthur-conan-doyle.md) · [The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes](https://www.leafyquotes.com/arthur-conan-doyle/the-adventures-of-sherlock-holmes.md) · p. 272 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/arthur-conan-doyle/the-adventures-of-sherlock-holmes/violence-does-in-truth.md) Topics: [violence](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/violence.md), [revenge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/revenge.md) > It would be impossible to get through the kind of life that I have known without accumulating a vast unused stockpile of rage. Retaliation, though, was a luxury I could never afford. On the physical level I was too feeble. On any other I was not rich enough. I never dared to be rude to anyone. I never knew that I might not need him later. Long after fantasies of sexual excess had ceased to torment me, my imagination was inflamed by lurid day-dreams of having my revenge on the world. [Quentin Crisp](https://www.leafyquotes.com/quentin-crisp.md) · [The Naked Civil Servant](https://www.leafyquotes.com/quentin-crisp/the-naked-civil-servant.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/quentin-crisp/the-naked-civil-servant/it-would-be-impossible.md) Topics: [anger](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/anger.md), [revenge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/revenge.md) > Like many culinary delicacies, revenge is a dish best savored slowly, after long and delicate preparation. [Frank Herbert](https://www.leafyquotes.com/frank-herbert.md) · [Dune](https://www.leafyquotes.com/frank-herbert/dune.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/frank-herbert/dune/like-many-culinary.md) Topics: [revenge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/revenge.md) > “They [the Clutters] never hurt me. Like other people. Like people have all my life. Maybe it's just that the Clutters were the ones who had to pay for it.” [Truman Capote](https://www.leafyquotes.com/truman-capote.md) · [In Cold Blood](https://www.leafyquotes.com/truman-capote/in-cold-blood.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/truman-capote/in-cold-blood/they-the-clutters.md) Topics: [guilt](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/guilt.md), [revenge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/revenge.md) > Towards thee I roll, thou all-destroying but unconquering whale; to the last I grapple with thee; from hell's heart I stab at thee; for hate's sake I spit my last breath at thee. Sink all coffins and all hearses to one common pool! and since neither can be mine, let me then tow to pieces, while still chasing thee, though tied to thee, thou damned whale! Thus, I give up the spear! [Herman Melville](https://www.leafyquotes.com/herman-melville.md) · [Moby-Dick](https://www.leafyquotes.com/herman-melville/moby-dick.md) · p. 633 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/herman-melville/moby-dick/towards-thee-i-roll.md) Topics: [hatred](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/hatred.md), [revenge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/revenge.md) > Men took weapons in those days and slew one another for little cause; for they were become quick to anger, and Sauron, or those whom he had bound to himself, went about the land setting man against man, so that the people murmured against the King and the lords, or against any that had aught that they had not; and the men of power took cruel revenge. [J. R. R. Tolkien](https://www.leafyquotes.com/j-r-r-tolkien.md) · [The Silmarillion](https://www.leafyquotes.com/j-r-r-tolkien/the-silmarillion.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/j-r-r-tolkien/the-silmarillion/men-took-weapons.md) Topics: [anger](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/anger.md), [revenge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/revenge.md) > This Delta, he thought: This Delta. This land which man has deswamped and denuded and derivered in two generations so that white men can own plantations and commute every night to Memphis and black men own plantations and ride in jim crow cars to Chicago to live in millionaires’ mansions on Lakeshore Drive, where white men rent farms and live like niggers and niggers crop on shares and live like animals, where cotton is planted and grows man-tall in the very cracks of the sidewalks, and usury and mortgage and bankruptcy and measureless wealth, Chinese and African and Aryan and Jew, all breed and spawn together until no man has time to say which is which nor cares.... No wonder the ruined woods I used to know don’t cry for retribution! he thought: The people who have destroyed it will accomplish its revenge. [William Faulkner](https://www.leafyquotes.com/william-faulkner.md) · [Go Down, Moses](https://www.leafyquotes.com/william-faulkner/go-down-moses.md) · p. 347 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/william-faulkner/go-down-moses/this-delta-he-thought.md) Topics: [nature](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/nature.md), [racism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/racism.md), [revenge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/revenge.md) > Revenge, at first though sweet, > > Bitter ere long back on itself recoils. [John Milton](https://www.leafyquotes.com/john-milton.md) · [Paradise Lost](https://www.leafyquotes.com/john-milton/paradise-lost.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/john-milton/paradise-lost/revenge-at-first.md) Topics: [revenge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/revenge.md) > Which, if not victory, is yet revenge. [John Milton](https://www.leafyquotes.com/john-milton.md) · [Paradise Lost](https://www.leafyquotes.com/john-milton/paradise-lost.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/john-milton/paradise-lost/which-if-not.md) Topics: [revenge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/revenge.md), [victory](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/victory.md)