Committed Quote by Marcus Tullius Cicero
“Guilt is present in the very hesitation, even though the deed be not committed.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: De Officiis by Marcus Tullius Cicero, 44 BC
Guilt arises from hesitation, even before any wrongdoing occurs.
In simple terms: Hesitation can cause guilt without action.
Key Takeaway
Act decisively to avoid unnecessary guilt.
Themes
morality
psychology
ethics
decision making
anxiety
Mood
thoughtful
concerned
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- ethical dilemmas
- personal decision making
- leadership
- stress management
- self‑reflection
Key Concepts
moral hesitation
anticipatory guilt
virtue ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- What situations cause guilt before any deed?
- How can we differentiate healthy caution from harmful hesitation?
A Different Perspective
Guilt without action may be irrational or paralyzing.
![“Things sacred should not only be touched with the hands, but unviolated in thought. [Lat., Res sacros non modo manibus attingi, sed ne cogitatione quidem violari fas fuit.]” quote by Marcus Tullius Cicero](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/deb/marcus-tullius-cicero-157_hands_things-sacred-should-not-only-be-touched_11960.jpg)
