Guilt Quote by Meša Selimović
““Ako nisam kriv, onda su pogriješili, zatvorili su nedužna čovjeka. Ako me puste, priznaće svoju grešku, a to nije ni lako ni korisno. Niko pametan ne može od njih tražiti da rade protiv sebe. Zahtjev bi bio nestvaran, i smiješan. Onda ja moram biti kriv. A kako da me puste ako sam kriv? Razumiješ li? Ne treba da budemo suviše nepravedni. Svako polazi sa svoga stanovišta i smatramo da je u redu kad tako mi činimo, ali kad to oni čine, onda nam smeta. Priznaćeš da je to nedosljedno.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Dervish and Death by Meša Selimović, 1966
The speaker feels trapped by injustice, forced to accept guilt despite being innocent, highlighting hypocrisy and moral conflict.
In simple terms: Injustice forces one to accept blame; hypocrisy hurts.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and challenge systemic hypocrisy.
Themes
justice
hypocrisy
morality
power dynamics
Mood
frustrated
reflective
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- legal trials
- workplace disputes
- political oppression
- personal relationships
Key Concepts
guilt
responsibility
ethical paradox
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you confront hypocrisy without becoming complicit?
- When is self‑sacrifice justified?
A Different Perspective
Often the powerless cannot change the narrative without risking greater harm.
