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And so there’s a struggle, or a contest, I guess you could…

“And so there’s a struggle, or a contest, I guess you could say, all the time, it seems to me. And remorse, well, to be able to show remorse—to be able to be sorry about what we’ve done that’s hurt other people—that keeps us human.” quote by Elizabeth Strout
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““And so there’s a struggle, or a contest, I guess you could say, all the time, it seems to me. And remorse, well, to be able to show remorse—to be able to be sorry about what we’ve done that’s hurt other people—that keeps us human.””

Elizabeth Strout

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Remorse and the ability to apologize keep us connected to our humanity, preventing us from becoming detached.

In simple terms: Apologizing keeps us human.

Key Takeaway

Practice sincere remorse regularly.

Themes

empathy humility connection

Mood

reflective empathetic

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • conflict resolution
  • personal relationships
  • leadership

Key Concepts

moral psychology ethics

Questions to Reflect On

  • When have you truly felt remorse?
  • How does apology affect your relationships?
A Different Perspective

Remorse can be performative without genuine change.

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