Concern Quote by Francois de La Rochefoucauld
“Our repentances are generally not so much a concern and remorse for the harm we have done, as a fear of the harm we may have brought upon ourselves.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Maximes, 1665
Remorse stems more from fearing self-inflicted consequences than from guilt over harming others.
In simple terms: We fear our own future mistakes.
Key Takeaway
Consider how personal anxiety shapes moral judgments.
Themes
guilt
fear
self‑reflection
Mood
thoughtful
cautious
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal decision making
- conflict resolution
- mental health counseling
Key Concepts
psychology of remorse
ethical self‑assessment
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you prioritize personal safety over accountability?
- How can you balance self‑concern with responsibility?
A Different Perspective
Fear can distort moral clarity, leading to over‑cautious behavior.
![“The critical question about regret is whether experience led to growth and new learning. Some people seem to keep on making the same mistakes, while others at least make new ones. Regret and remorse can be either paralyzing or inspiring. [p. 199]” quote by Mary Catherine Bateson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/72f/mary-catherine-bateson-11582_critical_the-critical-question-about-regret-is-wh_20978.jpg)
