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About this quote

What does it mean?
People often destroy what they hate, but sometimes hate destroys them first.
In plain terms
People kill what they hate, or it kills them.
What can you take from it?
Hatred leads to mutual destruction.

Where it applies

  • personal feuds
  • war
  • revenge

Putting it to work

  • resolve hatred before it escalates
  • recognize self-destruction

Questions to consider

  • Does hatred always destroy both sides?
  • What starts a cycle of hate?

Another view

Sometimes survival depends on not engaging.

More from James Thurber

  1. A word to the wise is not sufficient if it doesn't make any sense.

    Permalink to quote #18
  2. All men should strive to learn before they die what they are running from, and to, and why.

    Permalink to quote #20
  3. Love is blind, but desire just doesn't give a good goddam. (sic)

    Permalink to quote #17

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