“If I am to die by the bullet of a madman, I must do so smiling. There must be no anger within me. God must be in my heart and on my lips. And you promise me one thing. Should such a thing happen, you are not to shed one tear.”
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About this quote
Meeting hatred with equanimity is the hardest test of a life spent preaching love. Facing violence — even death — without a flicker of anger refuses the whole logic of revenge, and asks those left grieving not to carry it forward. Calm held to the last breath leaves behind no debt of bitterness.
When to use it
- Forgiving the driver who caused a crash instead of nursing years of resentment.
- Facing a hard diagnosis with steadiness, and asking loved ones not to spend the time embittered.
- Refusing to plot revenge after a betrayal, and asking family to let the grudge die too.