“No one thinks of how much blood it costs.”
- c. 1265 – September 14, 1321
- Italian
- Poet, Writer, Philosopher, Author of The Divine Comedy
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Quote
“No one thinks of how much blood it costs.”
Explanation
This quote is taken from Dante Alighieri’s Paradiso, Canto XXIX, in The Divine Comedy. It is spoken by Beatrice, as she rebukes those who casually or superficially engage with divine mysteries—particularly theologians and preachers who use sacred truths for personal gain or vanity. In the broader context, she says: “Non vi si pensa quanto sangue costa.” The line underscores the immense sacrifice—specifically Christ’s blood—that underlies the Christian faith, which is too often forgotten in the pursuit of intellectual pride or rhetorical showmanship.
Dante, through Beatrice, is condemning spiritual complacency and hypocrisy. The “blood” refers not only to the crucifixion of Christ but to the martyrdom, suffering, and sacrifice that form the foundation of Christianity. When people manipulate religion for personal status or trivial debate, they betray the gravity of what has been given. This reflects Dante’s recurring theme: that true knowledge must be paired with humility and reverence, especially when dealing with sacred matters.
In modern times, this quote serves as a powerful indictment of detachment from historical and moral cost. Whether in politics, war, religion, or civil rights, people often benefit from hard-won freedoms and truths without acknowledging the pain that secured them. Dante’s words challenge us to remember the human suffering behind every triumph and to approach inherited legacies with gratitude, respect, and responsibility.
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