Behinds Quote by Edna St. Vincent Millay
“For my omniscience paid I toll In infinite remorse of soul. All sin was of my sinning, all Atoning mine, and mine the gall Of all regret. Mine was the weight Of every brooded wrong, the hate That stood behind each envious thrust, Mine every greed, mine every lust. And all the while for every grief, Each suffering, I craved relief With individual desire, – Craved all in vain! And felt fierce fire About a thousand people crawl; Perished with each, — then mourned for all!”
About This Quote
Source Poem: “The Weight of Regret”, 1925
The speaker feels overwhelming guilt and longing for redemption, burdened by personal sins and the suffering of others.
In simple terms: Guilt and yearning for relief.
Key Takeaway
Seek forgiveness and compassion.
Themes
guilt
redemption
human suffering
Mood
somber
introspective
Type
poetic
emotional
When to use this quote
- personal confession
- therapy sessions
- literary analysis
- spiritual counseling
Key Concepts
psychology of remorse
ethical responsibility
Questions to Reflect On
- What steps can alleviate personal guilt?
- How can empathy reduce collective suffering?
A Different Perspective
May romanticize suffering without actionable change.
