Famous Revenge Quotes in English

Here is a collection of famous quotes on revenge, with meanings and examples illustrating how they might apply:

1. "Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves." — Confucius

• Meaning: Seeking revenge can lead to harm not only for the target but also for the avenger. It’s a self-destructive path.

• Example: If a person goes out of their way to sabotage a former friend’s reputation, they may end up damaging their own integrity and losing the respect of others.

2. "An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind." — Mahatma Gandhi

• Meaning: Revenge leads to a cycle of retaliation that can escalate conflict without resolving anything. It harms everyone involved.

• Example: If two rival companies keep trying to one-up each other by stealing customers or copying ideas, they may end up focusing more on the feud than on innovating or growing their businesses.

3. "Revenge is a dish best served cold." — Origin Unknown

• Meaning: Revenge is often more effective when planned with patience and detachment, rather than impulsively in anger.

• Example: After a betrayal, a person might wait months before acting on revenge. They might make strategic moves, showing that they’ve calculated their response rather than reacting emotionally.

4. "The best revenge is massive success." — Frank Sinatra

• Meaning: Instead of seeking revenge, focusing on self-improvement and achieving success is a more satisfying and positive response.

• Example: After a breakup, instead of seeking to hurt their ex, a person might focus on building a successful career, proving that they can thrive on their own.

5. "Living well is the best revenge." — George Herbert

• Meaning: Choosing happiness and personal fulfillment over revenge shows strength and maturity, ultimately proving that negativity doesn’t define you.

• Example: If someone is hurt by a former friend’s betrayal, they might channel their energy into hobbies, friendships, and accomplishments, showing they’re better off without harboring resentment.

6. "Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord." — Romans 12:19 (Bible)

• Meaning: Leave justice or retribution to a higher power rather than taking matters into your own hands.

• Example: Instead of retaliating against a coworker who unfairly blamed them, a person might decide to stay calm and trust that karma or justice will ultimately set things right.

7. "Anger, if not restrained, is frequently more hurtful to us than the injury that provokes it." — Seneca

• Meaning: Giving in to anger and the desire for revenge can cause more harm to ourselves than the original offense did.

• Example: After an argument, a person who retaliates with insults may end up regretting their words more than the original disagreement itself, realizing that anger made them act out of character.

8. "Revenge is always the weak pleasure of a little and narrow mind." — Juvenal

• Meaning: Seeking revenge can be seen as petty and small-minded, showing a lack of emotional maturity or strength.

• Example: A person who spreads rumors about someone who embarrassed them may feel temporarily satisfied, but they ultimately demonstrate a lack of personal growth and empathy.

9. "He who plots to hurt others often hurts himself." — Aesop

• Meaning: Revenge can backfire, causing unintended harm to the person who initiates it.

• Example: If a person tries to ruin a colleague’s chances for a promotion, they might end up getting reprimanded or damaging their own reputation in the process.

10. "There is no revenge so complete as forgiveness." — Josh Billings

• Meaning: Choosing to forgive instead of retaliate can be a powerful act that demonstrates inner strength and breaks the cycle of vengeance.

• Example: Instead of responding harshly to an ex-friend’s insults, a person might simply forgive and move on, showing they’re above the negativity and leaving the offender powerless.

11. "Revenge proves its own executioner." — John Ford

• Meaning: Revenge can destroy the person seeking it, making it a harmful pursuit.

• Example: An individual who constantly harbors resentment and seeks ways to get back at others may find themselves isolated or unhappy, ultimately suffering from their own negativity.

12. "The axe forgets; the tree remembers." — African Proverb

• Meaning: Those who commit harm may quickly forget their actions, while the person harmed may carry the memory for a long time, fueling a desire for revenge.

• Example: A bully might quickly forget their actions, but the person bullied may remember the incident for years, struggling with the emotional scars left behind.

13. "Success in revenge only feeds bitterness." — Unknown

• Meaning: Achieving revenge might satisfy momentarily, but it often deepens feelings of bitterness instead of providing true relief.

• Example: A person who succeeds in making their ex jealous might feel pleased initially, but they could soon realize they’re still holding onto negativity rather than moving on.

14. "While seeking revenge, dig two graves—one for yourself." — Douglas Horton

• Meaning: Pursuing revenge can consume a person to the point that it ends up harming them just as much as their target.

• Example: If someone dedicates their energy to tearing down a rival, they might neglect their own goals and end up hurting their own future.

15. "In taking revenge, a man is but even with his enemy; but in passing it over, he is superior." — Francis Bacon

• Meaning: Seeking revenge puts you on the same level as the person who wronged you, but choosing to rise above it demonstrates greater strength.

• Example: After a friend betrays them, someone might choose to move on without retaliation, proving their resilience and maturity rather than engaging in petty behavior.

16. "Revenge is an admission of pain." — Unknown

• Meaning: Seeking revenge often reveals that a person is still deeply hurt by the offense and hasn’t healed from it.

• Example: If a person tries to embarrass someone who hurt them, it shows they’re still affected by the pain, rather than moving on and letting go.

17. "Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong." — Mahatma Gandhi

• Meaning: It takes inner strength to let go of the desire for revenge and forgive instead.

• Example: A business partner wronged by another might choose to forgive and learn from the experience rather than harboring bitterness, proving their strength of character.

18. "Nothing inspires forgiveness quite like revenge." — Scott Adams

• Meaning: The experience of planning or achieving revenge can sometimes reveal how empty and unsatisfying it truly is, leading one to choose forgiveness instead.

• Example: A person who spends time plotting to get back at someone may eventually realize it’s not worth the effort and choose to let go, finding peace instead.

19. "Revenge converts a little right into a great wrong." — German Proverb

• Meaning: Pursuing revenge can lead a person to take actions that far outweigh the original offense, escalating conflict unnecessarily.

• Example: A student who publicly humiliates someone who insulted them might initially feel justified but later realize their actions were harsher than the original slight.

20. "Getting even is one reason for doing good work." — Dr. Seuss

• Meaning: Channeling the desire for revenge into positive achievements can be a constructive way to move forward and improve oneself.

• Example: Instead of trying to get back at someone who doubted their abilities, a person might focus on excelling in their career, achieving success as a form of “revenge” without any harm.

These quotes emphasize the dangers and futility of revenge, suggesting that forgiveness, personal growth, and success are better ways to handle hurt. They serve as reminders that while the urge for revenge can be powerful, it often leads to more pain and negativity.

1. “Weak people revenge. Strong people forgive. Intelligent people ignore.” – Albert Einstein

• Einstein suggests that strength lies in letting go, while revenge is often a sign of vulnerability.

2. “Revenge is a confession of pain.” – Latin Proverb

• This proverb highlights that the desire for revenge reveals one’s inner hurt, making it a reflection of suffering rather than strength.

3. “The greatest revenge is not to be like your enemy.” – Marcus Aurelius

• The stoic philosopher believed that acting out of revenge only drags you down to the level of the one who hurt you.

4. “When seeking revenge, dig two graves—one for your enemy and one for yourself.” – Chinese Proverb

• This echoes Confucius, underscoring the self-destructive nature of revenge.

5. “Revenge has no more quenching effect on emotions than salt water has on thirst.” – Walter Weckler

• Weckler compares revenge to a temporary fix that ultimately worsens emotional suffering.

6. “The sword of vengeance is double-edged.” – Alexander Dumas

• Revenge can harm both the target and the one who wields it, emphasizing its dangerous consequences.

7. “Justice and revenge are two sides of the same coin.” – Alice Hoffman

• Hoffman implies that justice and revenge are often intertwined but can lead to very different outcomes.

8. “While seeking revenge, dig two graves. That of your enemy and yours.” – Anonymous

• Reinforcing a recurring theme, this quote warns against the self-harm inherent in vengeance.

9. “Revenge is barren of itself: it is the dreadful food it feeds on; its delight is murder, and its end is despair.” – Friedrich Schiller

• Schiller describes revenge as something that consumes and ultimately destroys.

10. “Forgiveness is better than revenge, for forgiveness is the sign of a gentle nature, but revenge the sign of a savage nature.” – Epictetus

• The stoic philosopher presents forgiveness as a sign of civilization, while revenge reflects a base instinct.

11. “A man that studieth revenge keeps his own wounds green.” – Francis Bacon

• Bacon’s words remind us that focusing on revenge keeps the pain fresh, preventing healing.

12. “There is no revenge so sweet as forgiveness.” – Isaac Friedmann

• Forgiveness is seen as powerful and ultimately more rewarding than retaliation.

13. “Men should be either treated generously or destroyed, because they take revenge for slight injuries – for heavy ones they cannot.” – Niccolo Machiavelli

• Machiavelli observed that people often seek revenge for minor offenses, while greater wrongs may paralyze them with fear.

14. “He that studieth revenge keepeth his own wounds green, which otherwise would heal.” – John Milton

• Like Bacon, Milton suggests that seeking revenge prevents emotional healing.

15. “Revenge is an act of passion; vengeance of justice. Injuries are revenged; crimes are avenged.” – Samuel Johnson

• Johnson differentiates revenge as emotional and vengeance as justified, hinting at the moral complexities of both.

16. “Forgive others, not because they deserve forgiveness, but because you deserve peace.” – Jonathan Lockwood Huie

• Forgiveness is framed as an act of self-care, helping oneself find peace rather than benefiting the wrongdoer.

17. “Hatred is self-punishment. Hatred it the coward's revenge for being intimidated.” – Hosea Ballou

• Ballou implies that hatred and revenge are acts of weakness rather than courage.

18. “No revenge is more honorable than the one not taken.” – Anonymous

• This quote implies that honor lies in restraint and not in retaliating for perceived slights.

19. “Revenge is often like biting a dog because the dog bit you.” – Austin O’Malley

• This metaphor suggests that revenge is an irrational response that does little to solve the initial problem.

20. “Forgiveness says you are given another chance to make a new beginning.” – Desmond Tutu

• Rather than seeking revenge, Tutu believed that forgiveness paves the way for positive change.

21. “While you are carrying a grudge, others are out dancing.” – Anonymous

• Holding onto thoughts of revenge prevents one from fully experiencing life, while others move on.

22. “Revenge is sweet and not fattening.” – Alfred Hitchcock

• Hitchcock humorously acknowledges the human attraction to revenge, even if it may not lead to lasting satisfaction.

23. “Vengeance is mine, I will repay.” – Bible, Romans 12:19

• The Bible suggests leaving justice to a higher power rather than taking matters into one’s own hands.

24. “Success is the best revenge for anything.” – Ed Sheeran

• Like Sinatra, Sheeran sees achievement as the ultimate response to those who doubt or harm you.

25. “Sometimes the best revenge is to smile and move on.” – Anonymous

• A reminder that letting go of past hurt is often the most empowering choice.

26. “Anger is the revenge of the weak.” – Arabic Proverb

• This proverb suggests that anger and revenge are signs of weakness, rather than strength or resilience.

27. “The man who seeks revenge digs two graves.” – Anonymous

• Echoing earlier quotes, this reminds us of revenge’s tendency to destroy both the avenger and the victim.

28. “He who cannot forgive breaks the bridge over which he himself must pass.” – George Herbert

• Herbert warns that holding onto grudges prevents future peace and freedom.

29. “Anger, resentment, and jealousy doesn’t change the heart of others—it only changes yours.” – Shannon Alder

• This emphasizes that negative emotions harm the one feeling them rather than the person they are directed towards.

30. “It is useless to meet revenge with revenge; it will heal nothing.” – J.R.R. Tolkien

• Tolkien saw revenge as unproductive and incapable of resolving any conflict.

31. “I choose peace over revenge.” – Anonymous

• This personal choice reflects maturity and a preference for inner tranquility over temporary satisfaction.

32. “He who cannot forgive others breaks the bridge over which he must pass himself; for every man has need to be forgiven.” – Thomas Fuller

• Fuller reminds us that forgiveness fosters mutual respect and acknowledges human fallibility.

33. “When a deep injury is done to us, we never recover until we forgive.” – Alan Paton

• Paton implies that revenge prolongs suffering, while forgiveness initiates healing.

34. “Holding a grudge doesn’t make you strong; it makes you bitter. Forgiving doesn’t make you weak; it sets you free.” – Anonymous

• This quote captures the power of forgiveness in liberating oneself from resentment and bitterness.

35. “Revenge is but a small circle.” – Anonymous

• Revenge is cyclical, perpetuating harm that often circles back to the originator.

36. “To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you.” – Lewis B. Smedes

• Forgiveness is portrayed as self-liberation, freeing oneself from anger and the grip of revenge.

37. “Letting go gives us freedom, and freedom is the only condition for happiness.” – Thich Nhat Hanh

• The renowned monk suggests that peace and happiness come not from revenge but from releasing grudges.

38. “Those who seek revenge should remember to keep their own hearts clean.” – Anonymous

• Seeking revenge can stain one’s character and conscience, diminishing inner purity.

39. “The only people I owe my loyalty to are those who never made me question theirs.” – Anonymous

• This statement reinforces the value of focusing on positive relationships rather than seeking revenge.

These quotes highlight a wide range of perspectives on revenge, from warnings about its destructiveness to endorsements of forgiveness and personal growth. They underline that revenge can be a cycle of ongoing harm, while forgiveness, moving on, and self-improvement often lead to lasting peace and fulfillment.