At certain moments, the foot slips ; at others, the ground…
““At certain moments, the foot slips ; at others, the ground gives way. How many times had that conscience, furious for the right, grasped and overwhelmed him! How many times had truth, inexorable, planted her knee upon his breast! How many times, thrown to the ground by the light, had he cried to it for mercy!””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The passage depicts inner turmoil when conscience and truth confront a person, forcing a desperate plea for mercy.
In simple terms: Conscience and truth clash, causing anguish and a cry for mercy.
Key Takeaway
Recognize when moral pressure overwhelms you and seek balance.
Themes
conscience
truth
anguish
plea
mercy
Mood
intense
conflicted
dramatic
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- Legal dilemmas
- personal crises
- ethical decisions
- spiritual reflection
Key Concepts
Moral conflict
psychological struggle
existential crisis
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you respond when your conscience feels oppressive?
- Can mercy be found without surrendering truth?
A Different Perspective
The struggle may persist despite pleading for relief.