Chapter 23
When Mercy Meets Politics
VARIOUS EVENTS FROM THE SAME COUNSEL Jacques Amiot, grand almoner of France, one day related to me this story, much to the honour of a prince of ours (and ours he was upon several very good accounts, though originally of foreign extraction),—[The Duc de Guise, surnamed Le Balafre.]—that in the time of our first commotions, at the siege of Rouen,—[In 1562]—this prince, having been advertised by the queen-mother of a conspiracy against his life, and in her letters particular notice being given him of the person who was to execute the business (who was a gentleman of Anjou or of…
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Critical Thinking Exercise
Map Your Control vs. Trust Decisions
Think of a current situation where you're deciding between protecting yourself through control or choosing to trust despite risk. Draw two columns: 'What I Can Control' and 'What I Cannot Control.' Fill in each side, then identify what the most honourable choice would be, regardless of outcome. Consider how your attempts to control the uncontrollable might be creating the problems you're trying to avoid.
Consider:
- •Notice if your protective measures are creating resentment or distance
- •Consider whether your character and values align with your current approach
- •Examine if fear of betrayal is preventing you from building genuine connection
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when someone showed you unexpected mercy or trust when they could have chosen suspicion or punishment. How did their choice affect your behaviour toward them?
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