The greatest chastisement that a man may receive who hath…
“The greatest chastisement that a man may receive who hath outraged another, is to have done the outrage; and there is no man who is so rudely punished as he that is subject to the whip of his own repentance.”
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 who harms others suffers the guilt of their own wrongdoing, a punishment worse than any external penalty.
In simple terms: Guilt is a self‑inflicted punishment.
Key Takeaway
Acknowledge harm and seek forgiveness.
Themes
ethics
guilt
justice
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- leadership
- conflict resolution
- legal judgments
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
self‑reflection
accountability
Questions to Reflect On
- What steps can you take to repair the damage?
- How does guilt motivate change?
A Different Perspective
Self‑punishment may not lead to actual restitution.