What will people think of me – you often say – if I refuse the reparation asked of me, or if I do not demand it from someone who has offended me? Those who are foolish like you, i.e. backward persons, will find fault with you. But those who have been enlightened by the beacon of mental and moral progress will say that  you are acting in accordance with true wisdom. Reflect a bit: because of a word, many times said thoughtlessly or inoffensively on the part of one of your brothers, your pride feels bruised and you respond to him in a harsh manner. A confrontation ensues. Before that critical moment arrives, do you ask yourself if you are acting like a Christian? What will you owe society if you deprive it of one of its members? Do you think of the remorse for having deprived a wife of her husband, a mother of her son, and children of their father and their support? Certainly, the one who has offended you owes reparation; however, would it not be more honorable for him to do so voluntarily in recognition of his wrongs than to endanger the life of the one who has the right to complain? As for the offended man, I concur that sometimes one might find oneself gravely insulted, either personally or regarding those who are dear to him. It is not only self-centeredness that comes into play; a heart is wounded and suffering. But besides being foolish for risking his life in confrontation with a wretch capable of an infamy, if this wretch dies, will the affront – whatever it was – cease to exist? Does not spilt blood give more notoriety to a fact which, if false, would fall by itself, and if true, should be buried in silence? Thus, the only thing left would be that vengeance was satisfied.  Alas! A sad satisfaction that frequently even in this life leaves bitter remorse. And if it is the offended party that dies, how will reparation be made to him?

When charity becomes the rule of conduct for humans, they will conform their words and actions to this maxim, “Do not do unto others what you would not want them to do unto you.” Then  all causes of dissention will disappear, and with them, the causes of duels and wars – which are actually duels between peoples.

François-Xavier (Bordeaux, 1861)