Saturday, December 09, 2006

More on the Idea of Punishment

Long ago, when I was struggling with the end of my marriage, I read these words from, of all people, Richard Nixon. Tricky Dicky was never one of my favorite people, but I found such truth in this quote that I wrote it on my bathroom wall, where I would see and remember it every morning.

"The people who hate you don't destroy you. When you hate them back, you destroy yourself."

Nothing anyone can do to us is as powerful as what we can (and will) do to ourselves.

10 comments:

Michelle O'Neil said...

Wow! Great quote.

Didn't he turn it around later in life?

Anonymous said...

I can't remember seeing this quote before. It's fabulous. And really, in the Greek tradition, further proof of his modern "tragedy".

holly said...

great quote.

Tinker said...

Wonderful quote, Jerri - thank you for sharing it.

Anonymous said...

I never thought I'd find anything about Dick Nixon to admire, but that's a good quote.

So is your interpretation of it:

"Nothing anyone can do to us is as powerful as what we can (and will) to do ourselves."

And I'm pretty sure you can cut yourself a break on the mouse episode. So long as you weren't inflicting deliberate pain, I think your karmic debt will be small change.

I rather imagine the great scorekeeper in the sky sees you in a pretty favorable light.

Carrie Wilson Link said...

Nobody is all bad, not even Tricky Dick! Thanks for the reminder, and the wonderful quote!

love.

Giggles said...

That’s an excellent quote from a shyster! Who knew…kidding of course! Yes that’s a very healthy way of looking at things. Exactly why I have never hated anyone!
My ex included….although I keep him at bay! Enjoyable post!

Peace and Giggles Sherrie

Amber said...

You know, as freaky as it is, I have read SEVERAL quotes by Nixon that have rang with me. Funny. I think he was a very complicated dude, who had many demons inside...Interesting.

:)

Michelle O'Neil said...

Is it just my imagnination or do people really seem to enjoy saying "Dick?"

rel said...

Jeri,
"Nothing anyone can do to us is as powerful as what we can (and will) do to ourselves."
It sometimes seems that knowung this and practicing are worlds apart.
rel