Capable Quote by Pio of Pietrelcina
“Stop entertaining those vain fears. Remember it is not feeling which constitutes guilt but the consent to such feelings. Only the free will is capable of good or evil. But when the will sighs under the trial of the tempter and does not will what is presented to it, there is not only no fault but there is virtue.”
About This Quote
Guilt stems from consenting to harmful feelings; virtue arises when the will resists temptation, regardless of emotional experience.
In simple terms: Virtue is choosing good despite feelings.
Key Takeaway
Free will determines moral quality, not emotion.
Themes
ethics
free will
guilt
virtue
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
spiritual
When to use this quote
- confessional counseling
- moral decision‑making
- spiritual formation
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
psychology of consent
Practical Applications
- Practice mindfulness of consent
- Cultivate self‑discipline
Questions to Reflect On
- Can one be virtuous without feeling guilt?
- How does consent differ from coercion?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on will can ignore systemic influences on behavior.
![“[The Community's] crosses and trials give me confidence. But I derive my hope above all, and most especially, from our utter incapacity, for it is always upon nothingness that God is pleased to rear His works. If at any day we accomplish some good here, the glory will certainly be His alone, since…” quote by Theodore Guerin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2b8/theodore-guerin-54729_accomplish_the-community-s-crosses-and-trials-give_7176.jpg)
