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His past was fairly blameless; few men could read the…

“His past was fairly blameless; few men could read the rolls of their life with less apprehension; yet he was humbled to the dust by the many ill things he had done, and raised up again into sober and fearful gratitude by the many he had come so near to doing, yet avoided.” quote by Robert Louis Stevenson
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“His past was fairly blameless; few men could read the rolls of their life with less apprehension; yet he was humbled to the dust by the many ill things he had done, and raised up again into sober and fearful gratitude by the many he had come so near to doing, yet avoided.”

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.

A person’s past deeds and near‑misses shape humble gratitude and fear.

In simple terms: Past actions bring humility and gratitude.

Key Takeaway

Reflect on past mistakes to foster gratitude and caution.

Themes

remorse humility redemption

Mood

reflective somber

Type

philosophical spiritual

When to use this quote

  • confession
  • personal journaling
  • ethical counseling

Key Concepts

ethics self‑reflection spiritual awakening

Questions to Reflect On

  • Which past actions still haunt you?
  • How can you transform guilt into positive action?
A Different Perspective

Gratitude may mask unresolved guilt.

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