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Committed Quote by Nicolas Boileau-Despreaux

“It is the sin which we have not committed which seems the most monstrous.” quote by Nicolas Boileau-Despreaux
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“It is the sin which we have not committed which seems the most monstrous.”

Nicolas Boileau-Despreaux

About This Quote

Source Poetry: Satires, 1665

Highlights the paradox that imagined wrongs can feel more terrifying than actual ones.

In simple terms: Imagined sins can be scarier than real ones.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and address real issues.

Themes

psychology fear morality

Mood

reflective cautious

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal relationships
  • legal judgments
  • ethical planning
  • risk assessment

Key Concepts

Cognitive distortion paranoia anticipatory anxiety

Questions to Reflect On

  • What imagined fears dominate your thoughts?
  • How can you shift focus to concrete actions?
A Different Perspective

Focusing on imagined faults may distract from tangible problems.

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