Mind and heart Quote by Robin McKinley
““Would it help perhaps if I told you that, had your father returned to me alone, I would have sent him on his way unharmed?” “You would!” I said; it was half a shriek. “You mean that I came here for nothing?” A shadowy movement like the shaking of a great shaggy head. “No. Not what you would count as nothing. He would have returned to you, and you would have been glad, but you also would have been ashamed, because you had sent him, as you thought, to his death. Your shame would have grown until you came to hate the sight of your father, because he reminded you of a deed you hated, and hated yourself for. In time it would have ruined your peace and happiness, and at last your mind and heart.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Hero and the Crown, 1984
A person’s guilt over harming a loved one can fester, turning love into hatred and destroying inner peace.
In simple terms: Guilt can corrupt love and peace.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and release guilt before it consumes you.
Themes
guilt
family
inner conflict
redemption
psychology
Mood
sad
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
psychological
When to use this quote
- family betrayal
- conflict resolution
- personal growth
- forgiveness
Key Concepts
moral responsibility
self‑acceptance
emotional trauma
Questions to Reflect On
- How does unresolved guilt affect your relationships?
- What steps can you take to forgive yourself?
A Different Perspective
Guilt may be rationalized, making it hard to confront.
![“[the sheep] sidled up beside him and bumped him lovingly with its head. Val looked at it sadly. "I am sorry, you ugly creature," he said. "I have not used my magic in a long time, and I am very out of practice.” quote by Robin McKinley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/21b/robin-mckinley-1591_humor_the-sheep-sidled-up-beside-him-and-bumpe_182306.jpg)
