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About this quote

What does it mean?
When women love us, they forgive everything, even our crimes; when they do not love us, they forgive nothing, not even our virtues.
In plain terms
Women's forgiveness depends on love; love leads to total pardon, lack of love to none.
What can you take from it?
Love influences how we are judged and forgiven.

Where it applies

  • romantic dynamics
  • conflict resolution

Putting it to work

  • value love in relationships
  • recognize bias in forgiveness

Questions to consider

  • How does affection affect moral judgment?
  • Are these patterns universal?

Another view

Generalizing women's behavior is inaccurate and sexist.

More from Honore de Balzac

  1. Les hivers sont pour les femmes a la mode ce que fut jadis une campagne pour les militaires de l'empire.

    Permalink to quote #13
  2. On amplifie egalement le malheur et le boneur, nous ne sommes jamais ni si malheureux, ni si heureux qu'on le dit.

    Permalink to quote #15
  3. Qu'est-ce que l'Art, monsieur? C'est la Nature concentree.

    Permalink to quote #12

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