 Bertrand Russell Quotes 366 |
There was a Renaissance Italian princeling who was asked by the priest on his deathbed if he had anything to repent of. "Yes", he said, "there is one thing. On one occasion I had a visit from the Emperor and the Pope simultaneously. I took them to the top of my tower to see the view, and I neglected the opportunity to throw them both down, which would have given me immortal fame". History does not relate whether the priest gave him absolution.
Source: Bertrand Russell: Human Society in Ethics and Politics, 1954,pt.2,chap.2: Politically Important Desires (Nobel Prize Acceptant Speech
More info.: https://russell-j.com/cool/47T-020201.HTM
* a brief comment (Translated with DeepL.com)
In Christianity, those who repent before death and return to the bosom of God are 'forgiven of their sins and go to heaven'.
In the above anecdote, the Little Prince (Little Prince/Young Master) appears to be 'repenting' as he confesses when asked by the priest if he has anything to repent for. However, it does not appear that he is truly 'penitent' as he regrets that he has 'missed the opportunity to gain immortal fame'. 'The priest must have wondered whether he (= the priest) should grant absolution to the little prince or not', but what would a modern Christian pries think [laughs]?