I never cut my neighbor's throat; My neighbor's gold I…
““I never cut my neighbor's throat; My neighbor's gold I never stole; I never spoiled his house and land; But God have mercy on my soul! For I am haunted night and day By all the deeds I have not done; O unattempted loveliness! O costly valor never won!””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
I have never harmed my neighbor, yet I am haunted by the good deeds I never performed, feeling the loss of unattempted kindness and unearned bravery.
In simple terms: Unperformed kindness haunts the conscience.
Act on compassion before regret.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- volunteering
- daily kindness
- personal vows
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What kindness have you delayed?
- How does guilt motivate future actions?
The tone may idealize self‑sacrifice.