Deeds Quote by Harold S. Kushner
“There are some things we should feel guilty about, but the guilt feelings should attach to the deed, not to the doer.”
About This Quote
Source Book: When Bad Things Happen to Good People, Harold S. Kushner, 1981
Guilt should be directed at actions, not at the person who performed them, separating moral responsibility from personal identity.
In simple terms: Blame the act, not the actor.
Key Takeaway
Focus on correcting behavior, not shaming the person.
Themes
ethics
responsibility
compassion
Mood
reflective
empathetic
Type
ethical
psychological
When to use this quote
- workplace conflict
- family disputes
- legal judgments
- public apologies
Key Concepts
moral psychology
identity
accountability
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you separate your self‑worth from a mistake?
- When should you hold someone accountable for their actions?
A Different Perspective
Guilt can persist even when the actor is not at fault, complicating forgiveness.
