Cosmus, Duke of Florence, was wont to say of perfidious friends, that 'We read that we ought to forgive our enemies; but we do not read that we ought to forgive our friends.'
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Forgiving enemies is expected, but betrayals from friends carry a deeper breach of trust.
- In plain terms
- We expect to forgive enemies, but friends' betrayals are harder to forgive.
- What can you take from it?
- Be cautious with trust, as friends' betrayals hurt more.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Why do friend betrayals hurt more?
- When is forgiveness appropriate for friends?
Another view
Not all friend betrayals are unforgivable.
More from Francis Bacon
Alonso of Aragon was wont to say in commendation of age, that age appears to be best in four things - old wood best to burn, old wine to drink, old friends to …
Permalink to quote #60 Cato said the best way to keep good acts in memory was to refresh them with new.
Permalink to quote #62 Sir Amice Pawlet, when he saw too much haste made in any matter, was wont to say. 'Stay a while, that we may make an end the sooner.'
Permalink to quote #59
Related quotes
Understand that some of your enemies are amongst your best friends.
Jean CocteauJean Cocteau quote #68 Defend me from my friends; I can defend myself from my enemies.
VoltaireVoltaire quote #96 Every one that flatters thee Is no friends in misery. Words are easy, like the wind; Faithful friends are hard to find. Every man will be thy friend Whilst tho…
Richard BarnfieldRichard Barnfield quote #4