Strong and bitter words indicate a weak cause.
—Victor Hugo (1802–85) French Novelist
Growth in wisdom may be exactly measured by decrease in bitterness
—Friedrich Nietzsche (1844–1900) German Philosopher, Scholar, Writer
It is only hope which is real, and reality is a bitterness and a deceit
—William Makepeace Thackeray (1811–63) English Novelist
Whenever one finds oneself inclined to bitterness, it is a sign of emotional failure.
—Bertrand A. Russell (1872–1970) British Philosopher, Mathematician, Social Critic
Patience is bitter, but it bears sweet fruit.
—Turkish Proverb
Never succumb to the temptation of bitterness.
—Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929–68) American Civil Rights Leader, Clergyman
It is better to live in peace than in bitterness and strife
—Confucius (551–479 BCE) Chinese Philosopher
Those who cannot work with their hearts achieve but a hollow, half-hearted success that breeds bitterness all around.
—A. P. J. Abdul Kalam (1931–2015) Indian Head of State, Scientist
Who has never tasted what is bitter does not know what is sweet.
—German Proverb
Forgiveness is the key that unlocks the door of resentment and the handcuffs of hate. It is a power that breaks the chains of bitterness and the shackles of selfishness.
—William Arthur Ward (1921–94) American Author
I am sorry to think that you do not get a man’s most effective criticism until you provoke him. Severe truth is expressed with some bitterness.
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–62) American Philosopher
From the midst of the very fountain of pleasure, something of bitterness arises to vex us in the flower of enjoyment.
—Lucretius (c.99–55 BCE) Roman Epicurean Poet, Philosopher
An angry woman is vindictive beyond measure, and hesitates at nothing in her bitterness.
—Jean Antoine Petit-Senn (1792–1870) Swiss Poet
Bitterness imprisons life; love releases it.
—Harry Emerson Fosdick (1878–1969) American Baptist Minister
Bitterness is like cancer. It eats upon the host. But anger is like fire. It burns it all clean.
—Maya Angelou (1928–2014) American Poet
When our hatred is too bitter it places us below those whom we hate.
—Francois de La Rochefoucauld (1613–80) French Writer
You can surmount the obstacles in your path if you are determined, courageous and hard-working. Never be fainthearted. Be resolute, but never bitter … Permit no one to dissuade you from pursuing the goals you set for yourselves. Do not fear to pioneer, to venture down new paths of endeavor.
—Ralph Bunche (1903–71) American Political Scientist, Diplomat
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