Power is better than revenge. Power is a live thing, by which you reach out to grasp the future. Revenge is a dead thing, reaching out from the past to grasp you.

Lois McMaster Bujold
About This Quote

The word "power" is very important in this quote. It's the only word which is capitalized, and it's bolded, which means that it's very important to the sentence. The "power" of revenge makes Paine believe that revenge will never get you anywhere. Power is something you can reach out for and grasp, while revenge is something that sinks into your heart. Paine believes that power is better than revenge because it will give you something to work towards in the future.

Source: Borders Of Infinity

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