Immortal Quote by Dara Horn
““She didn’t know exactly when she had first felt the sensation of regret. It was a physical sensation, a shudder that began deep in the stomach and traveled up through the throat; it was distinct from remorse, which one felt first in the throat and only later in the gut. Yet it was regret that she couldn’t handle. She did anything she could to avoid it—including the initial bargain, the one that began everything. And now this one.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The World to Come by Dara Horn, 2018
Regret is a visceral, physical feeling distinct from remorse, and it can dominate thoughts and actions, leading people to avoid confronting it.
In simple terms: Regret is a deep physical feeling that can overwhelm.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and name the feeling to reduce its power.
Themes
regret
psychology
avoidance
emotion
Mood
anxious
reflective
Type
psychological
emotional
When to use this quote
- personal crisis
- relationship conflict
- career decision
- health diagnosis
Key Concepts
physiological response
self‑awareness
cognitive dissonance
Questions to Reflect On
- What physical cues signal regret for you?
- How does recognizing regret change your response?
A Different Perspective
Regret may be misidentified as remorse, causing misdirected coping strategies.
