--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Guilt is the source of sorrow, 'tis the…" description: "\"Guilt is the source of sorrow, 'tis the fiend, Th' avenging fiend, that follows us behind, With whips and stings\" — Nicholas Rowe" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/36f/nicholas-rowe-79146_friendship_guilt-is-the-source-of-sorrow-tis-the-fi_3103841.jpg" --- # Guilt is the source of sorrow, 'tis the fiend, Th'… ![“Guilt is the source of sorrow, 'tis the fiend, Th' avenging fiend, that follows us behind, With whips and stings” quote by Nicholas Rowe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/36f/nicholas-rowe-79146_friendship_guilt-is-the-source-of-sorrow-tis-the-fi_3103841.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/36f/nicholas-rowe-79146_friendship_guilt-is-the-source-of-sorrow-tis-the-fi_3103841.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/36f/nicholas-rowe-79146_friendship_guilt-is-the-source-of-sorrow-tis-the-fi_3103841.jpg) > “Guilt is the source of sorrow, 'tis the fiend, Th' avenging fiend, that follows us behind, With whips and stings” [Nicholas Rowe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nicholas-rowe/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Guilt drives sorrow, acting like a relentless, vengeful spirit that haunts us. **In simple terms:** Guilt fuels ongoing pain. Key Takeaway Recognize and release guilt. Themes guilt pain punishment Mood reflective somber Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - confession - therapy - self‑reflection Key Concepts psychology morality self‑judgment Questions to Reflect On - What does your guilt teach you? - Can guilt be transformed into positive change? A Different Perspective Guilt can be a useful moral guide, not just torment. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Avenging Fiend](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/avenging-fiend-797092/) [Fiend Follows](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fiend-follows-5391378/) [Friendship](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/friendship/) [Grief](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/grief/) [Guilt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/guilt/) [Guilt Source](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/guilt-source-797089/) [Regret](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/regret/) [Sorrow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sorrow/) [Source Sorrow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/source-sorrow-520767/) [Whips Stings](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/whips-stings-797091/) ## Related quotes > [“Guilt is the source of sorrows, the avenging fiend that follows us behind with whips and stings.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nicholas-rowe/guilt-is-the-source-of-sorrows-the-avenging-fiend-that-follows-us/) [Nicholas Rowe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nicholas-rowe/) > [“Bad business should be done without guilt if it is a source of income.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-bassey-johnson/bad-business-should-be-done-without-guilt-if-it-is-a-source-of-income/) [Michael Bassey Johnson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-bassey-johnson/) > [I think the source of our sorrow and the source of our joy are intimately entwined. 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