Accepting Quote by Paula Sharp
“... although many people say it is a terrible onus to be labeled bad as a child, I thought that the opposite must be worse: If you knew early that you had wickedness in you, you could learn to accept it, if not to wrestle against it. But if you believed that you were essentially good, then when you finally found the ocean of evil in yourself, surely it would come as a terrible shock.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Woman Who Was Not There by Paula Sharp, 1995
Recognizing early moral flaws allows acceptance and growth, whereas believing in inherent goodness makes later revelations of evil shocking and destabilizing.
In simple terms: Early self-awareness prevents later shock.
Key Takeaway
Accept flaws early to avoid painful discovery.
Themes
self-awareness
morality
growth
Mood
introspective
cautious
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- childhood education
- therapy
- personal reflection
- leadership training
Key Concepts
psychology
ethical development
self-acceptance
Questions to Reflect On
- How can early self-reflection change moral development?
- What practices help recognize hidden flaws?
A Different Perspective
If you ignore early flaws, you may later be overwhelmed by unexpected moral failures.
