Believe Quote by Jorge Luis Borges
“Kafka had the sense of guilt. I don't think I have because I don't believe in free will. Because what I have done has been done, well, for me or through me. But I haven't done it really. But I don't believe in free will, I can't feel guilty.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Nature of Guilt, 1945
The author doubts free will, feeling guilt is impossible without it, yet acknowledges actions occur through him.
In simple terms: No free will, no guilt.
Key Takeaway
Question the link between agency and responsibility.
Themes
free will
guilt
determinism
Mood
philosophical
introspective
Type
analytical
thought‑provoking
When to use this quote
- legal judgments
- personal decisions
- moral dilemmas
- psychological therapy
Key Concepts
philosophy of agency
ethical responsibility
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you feel responsible for actions you didn't choose?
- How does belief in free will affect your sense of guilt?
A Different Perspective
Denial of free will may hinder moral accountability.
![“I'm humbled and enormously grateful to be connected to [Franz] Kafka in a any way. He is one of the writers I admire. I think he has been a big influence on me. I appreciate the idea of the individual person battling the society - which is true in all his books.” quote by Alan Lightman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/215/alan-lightman-2270_admire_i-m-humbled-and-enormously-grateful-to-b_1542144.jpg)
