Feeling bad Quote by Gregory Boyle
““Guilt, of course, is feeling bad about one's actions, but shame is feeling bad about oneself.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: TED Talk, 2015
Guilt targets actions, shame targets self‑identity, highlighting different emotional responses to behavior versus self.
In simple terms: Guilt blames actions; shame blames self.
Recognize and separate the two emotions.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- personal reflection
- therapy
- conflict resolution
- team feedback
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does distinguishing guilt from shame affect personal growth?
- When might shame be useful?
Shame can be more damaging and harder to overcome than guilt.