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About this quote

What does it mean?
Revenge is best served after time has passed, allowing for cooler judgment.
In plain terms
Wait until you are calm before seeking revenge.
What can you take from it?
Patience makes revenge more effective and less risky.

Where it applies

  • conflict resolution
  • personal disputes
  • strategic thinking

Putting it to work

  • cooling off periods
  • planning responses
  • delaying reactions

Questions to consider

  • When is the right time to act on anger?
  • Does delay improve or weaken your position?

Another view

Sometimes waiting allows the opportunity to slip away.

More from Pierre Choderlos de Laclos

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  2. Ou vous avez un rival ou vous n'en n'avez pas. Si vous en avez un, il faut plaire pour lui etre prefere; si vous n'en n'avez pas, il faut encore plaire pour ev…

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  3. Le ridicule qu'on a augmente toujours en proportion qu'on s'en defend.

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