7jane

“In a world without forgiveness, evil begets evil, harm generates harm, and there is no way short of exhaustion or forgetfulness of breaking the sequence. Forgiveness breaks the chain. It introduces into the logic of interpersonal encounter the unpredictability of grace. It represents a decision not to do what instinct and passion urge us to do. It answers hate with a refusal to hate, animosity with generosity. Few more daring ideas have ever entered the human situation. Forgiveness means that we are not destined endlessly to replay the grievances of yesterday. It is the ability to live with the past without being held captive by the past. It would not be an exaggeration to say that forgiveness is the most compelling testimony to human freedom.”
― Jonathan Sacks

“Traditionally, the sole animal raised on a large scale for food in Japan has been the pig; sheep and goats have never been significant, and cattle were raised for pulling plows and carts but not for food. Japanese-raised beef remains a luxury food of the wealthy few, selling for up to $100 per pound.”
― Jared Diamond, Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies

“For the place where I was put to live
is stripped of good more and more each day
and seems disposed to perdition.”
― Dante Alighieri, The Purgatorio

“No one listens, for pride, envy, and avarice
are three sparks that kindle in men's hearts
and sets them burning.”
― Dante Alighieri, The Inferno