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If I do wrong, I may do it unwittingly, thinking I am…

“If I do wrong, I may do it unwittingly, thinking I am doing something for the best; but if it turns out to be wrong, I have done it, and I must bear the responsibility. It is not somebody else’s or something else’s fault. If it is I am less than human. Like everybody else, I tend to rationalize…” quote by Madeleine L'Engle
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““If I do wrong, I may do it unwittingly, thinking I am doing something for the best; but if it turns out to be wrong, I have done it, and I must bear the responsibility. It is not somebody else’s or something else’s fault. If it is I am less than human. Like everybody else, I tend to rationalize and alibi, before I let myself admit, “Yes, I did this. I am sorry. I will do what I can to make reparation.” Our sins defeat us unless we are willing to recognize them, confess them, and become healed and whole and holy—not qualified, mind you; just holy.””

Madeleine L'Engle

About This Quote

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

Taking responsibility for one's actions, admitting mistakes, and seeking forgiveness as a path to personal wholeness.

In simple terms: Own mistakes and seek repair.

Key Takeaway

Accept responsibility.

Themes

ethics accountability growth

Mood

reflective serious

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • personal crises
  • leadership decisions
  • conflict resolution
  • therapy sessions

Key Concepts

moral philosophy psychology spirituality

Questions to Reflect On

  • What prevents honest confession?
  • How does forgiveness restore integrity?
A Different Perspective

Self‑deception can block accountability.

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