Behavior Quote by David D. Burns
“Guilt serves a powerful social function in terms of policing our behavior.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy, 1979
Guilt acts as an internal regulator, encouraging us to conform to social norms and deter harmful actions.
In simple terms: Guilt helps keep us in line with society.
Key Takeaway
Use guilt to guide better choices.
Themes
social control
morality
self‑regulation
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
ethical
psychological
motivational
When to use this quote
- teamwork
- parenting
- leadership
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
psychology
emotions
norms
Questions to Reflect On
- How does guilt motivate you?
- When does guilt become counterproductive?
A Different Perspective
Guilt can also cause excessive self‑criticism and paralysis.
