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Adam Quote by D. H. Lawrence

“That was the birth of sin. Not doing it, but KNOWING about it. Before the apple, [Adam and Eve] had shut their eyes and their minds had gone dark. Now, they peeped and pried and imagined. They watched themselves.” quote by D. H. Lawrence
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“That was the birth of sin. Not doing it, but KNOWING about it. Before the apple, [Adam and Eve] had shut their eyes and their minds had gone dark. Now, they peeped and pried and imagined. They watched themselves.”

D. H. Lawrence

About This Quote

Source Novel: Sons and Lovers by D. H. Lawrence, 1913

Awareness of wrongdoing creates a deeper sense of guilt than the act itself, highlighting the power of conscience over behavior.

In simple terms: Knowing about sin feels worse than committing it.

Key Takeaway

Reflect on the weight of awareness.

Themes

guilt conscience knowledge

Mood

thoughtful introspective

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal reflection
  • ethical dilemmas
  • self‑examination
  • creative writing

Key Concepts

existentialism psychology morality

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does knowledge of a mistake affect your actions?
  • Can awareness be more harmful than the act?
A Different Perspective

Awareness can be paralyzing and may not lead to change.

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