---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: It is the sin which we have not committed…"
description: "\"It is the sin which we have not committed which seems the most monstrous.\" — Nicolas Boileau-Despreaux"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cee/nicolas-boileau-despreaux-1070_committed_it-is-the-sin-which-we-have-not-committe_1753037.jpg"
---

#  It is the sin which we have not committed which seems the…

![“It is the sin which we have not committed which seems the most monstrous.” quote by Nicolas Boileau-Despreaux](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cee/nicolas-boileau-despreaux-1070_committed_it-is-the-sin-which-we-have-not-committe_1753037.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cee/nicolas-boileau-despreaux-1070_committed_it-is-the-sin-which-we-have-not-committe_1753037.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cee/nicolas-boileau-despreaux-1070_committed_it-is-the-sin-which-we-have-not-committe_1753037.jpg)

> “It is the sin which we have not committed which seems the most monstrous.”

[Nicolas Boileau-Despreaux](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nicolas-boileau-despreaux/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

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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[Sin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sin/)

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