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The conceptions which any nation or individual entertains of the God of its popular worship may be inferred from their own actions and opinions, which are the subjects of their approbation among their fellow-men. Jesus Christ instructed his disciples to be perfect, as their Father in Heaven is perfect, declaring at the same time his belief that human perfection requires the refraining from revenge and retribution in any of its various shapes.

Percy Bysshe Shelley#194

ReligionMoralityFaithRevengePerfection

About this quote

What does it mean?
Our actions reveal what we truly believe about God; perfection requires avoiding revenge.
In plain terms
We judge God by what we praise, and perfection means no revenge.
What can you take from it?
Avoid revenge to align with true perfection.

Where it applies

  • religious reflection
  • personal conduct
  • ethical teaching

Putting it to work

  • practice forgiveness
  • examine what you praise

Questions to consider

  • What does your behavior say about your beliefs?
  • Is revenge ever compatible with perfection?

Another view

People often claim high ideals while acting differently.

More from Percy Bysshe Shelley

  1. Mankind, transmitting from generation to generation the legacy of accumulated vengeances, and pursuing with the feelings of duty the misery of their fellow-bei…

    Permalink to quote #193
  2. God is a model through which the excellence of man is to be estimated, whilst the abstract perfection of the human character is the type of the actual perfecti…

    Permalink to quote #195
  3. The emptiness and folly of retaliation are apparent from every example which can be brought forward. Not only Jesus Christ, but the most eminent professors of …

    Permalink to quote #192

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