“Mercy but murders, pardoning those that kill.”

— William Shakespeare

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“Mercy but murders, pardoning those that kill.”

(April 23 , 1564 -- April 23 , 1616)
Origin: English
Known for: PlaywrightPoet
Meaning
William Shakespeare cautions that over-extending mercy to those who cause harm can inadvertently lead to more suffering for others. In leadership and professional environments, maintaining accountability is essential for protecting the integrity and success of the entire organization. Balancing compassion with a commitment to justice ensures a fair and productive workplace where everyone can thrive safely in their daily roles.
William Shakespeare
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William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare was an English playwright and poet. Their most powerful quotes on life, success and human nature are collected here for daily inspiration and reflection.

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This quote is attributed to William Shakespeare. William Shakespeare was an English playwright and poet. Their most powerful quotes on life, success and human nature are collected here for daily inspiration and…

William Shakespeare cautions that over-extending mercy to those who cause harm can inadvertently lead to more suffering for others. In leadership and professional environments, maintaining accountability is essential for protecting the integrity and success of the entire organization. Balancing compassion with a commitment to justice ensures a fair and productive workplace where everyone can thrive safely in their daily roles.

The wording and attribution are documented at en.wikiquote.org. Use the original source linked on this page to verify the exact phrasing and context.

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