Moral teachings on loving one’s enemies across ancient traditions
Still not convinced morality stems from the human mind? How about something more challenging, loving your enemies, also erroneously credited to Jesus Christ as the author.
1. From the Old Persian Bible, the Sadder says, “Forgive thy foes, nor that alone; their evil deeds with good repay and kiss the hand upraised to slay.”
2. Publius Syrus, a Roman slave said, “Treat your enemy as though a friend and he will become thy friend.” And “Pardon the offense of others, but never your own.”
3. Laws of Menu state, “Let no man be offended with those who are angry at him but repay gently those who curse him.”
4. From Diogenes we hear, “To be revenged on enemies, become more virtuous.”
5. Confucius in China declared, “Desire not the death of your enemy.”
6. Sextus said, “Endure all things if you would serve God.”
7. Pittacus instructs, “Speak evil of no one, not even your enemies.”
8. Seneca counsels, “An enemy should not be hated but cured.”
There are hundreds of examples like these that cover nearly all forms and duties of life. They espouse the same lofty moral sentiment as those quoted above. It is conceit that motivates today's monotheists to proclaim superiority over all others. - Rico Roho