---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: There are two restraints which God has…"
description: "\"There are two restraints which God has laid upon human nature, shame and fear; shame is the weaker, and has place only in those in whom there are some ..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e2a/john-tillotson-8040_character_there-are-two-restraints-which-god-has-l_1640425.jpg"
---

#  There are two restraints which God has laid upon human…

![“There are two restraints which God has laid upon human nature, shame and fear; shame is the weaker, and has place only in those in whom there are some reminders of virtue.” quote by John Tillotson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e2a/john-tillotson-8040_character_there-are-two-restraints-which-god-has-l_1640425.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e2a/john-tillotson-8040_character_there-are-two-restraints-which-god-has-l_1640425.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e2a/john-tillotson-8040_character_there-are-two-restraints-which-god-has-l_1640425.jpg)

> “There are two restraints which God has laid upon human nature, shame and fear; shame is the weaker, and has place only in those in whom there are some reminders of virtue.”

[John Tillotson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-tillotson/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Human behavior is constrained by shame and fear; shame is weaker and appears only when one recalls personal virtue.

**In simple terms:** Shame and fear limit us; shame is less powerful and tied to virtue.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and manage these emotions to act freely.

Themes

morality psychology human nature virtue

Mood

analytical cautious thoughtful

Type

philosophical advice

When to use this quote

- personal decision‑making
- leadership
- conflict resolution
- public policy
- education

Key Concepts

shame fear self‑control ethical restraint

Questions to Reflect On

- What role does virtue play in moderating shame?
- Can fear be constructive?

A Different Perspective

Overemphasis on shame can stifle growth; fear may be necessary for safety.

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[Character](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/character/) [Fear](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fear/) [Fear Shame](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fear-shame-376329/) [Human nature](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/human-nature/) [Humans](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/humans/) [Reminders](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/reminders/) [Restraint](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/restraint/) [Restraints God](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/restraints-god-562918/) [Shame](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/shame/) [Shame Fear](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/shame-fear-562916/) [Shame Weaker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/shame-weaker-562917/) [Two](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/two/) [Virtue](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/virtue/)

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