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He was wild when he was young; a long while ago to be…

“He was wild when he was young; a long while ago to be sure; but in the law of God, there is no statute of limitations. Ay, it must be that; the ghost of some old sin, the cancer of some concealed disgrace: punishment coming, PEDE CLAUDO, years after memory has forgotten and self-love condoned the…” quote by Robert Louis Stevenson
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““He was wild when he was young; a long while ago to be sure; but in the law of God, there is no statute of limitations. Ay, it must be that; the ghost of some old sin, the cancer of some concealed disgrace: punishment coming, PEDE CLAUDO, years after memory has forgotten and self-love condoned the fault.””

Robert Louis Stevenson

About This Quote

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

Past sins linger, and divine law offers no forgiveness deadline, leading to consequences.

In simple terms: Old wrongs can resurface with punishment.

Key Takeaway

Acknowledge and amend past actions.

Themes

guilt justice consequences

Mood

reflective somber

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal reflection
  • legal judgments
  • ethical decision‑making

Key Concepts

moral responsibility eternal law redemption

Questions to Reflect On

  • What hidden transgressions might you be ignoring?
  • Can justice be truly timeless?
A Different Perspective

Human nature may resist accountability; some may deny guilt.

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