Regret Quote by Søren Kierkegaard
““But just for that reason, precipitate repentance is false and is never to be sought after. For it may not be the inner anxiety of heart but only the momentary feeling that presents the guilt so actively. This kind of repentance is selfish, a matter of the senses, sensually powerful for the moment, excited in expression, impatient in the most diverse exaggerations — and, just on this account, is not real repentance. Sudden repentance would drink down all the bitterness of sorrow in a single draught and then hurry on. It wants to get away from guilt. It wants to banish all recollection of it, fortifying itself by imagining that it does this in order not to be held back in the pursuit of the Good. It is its wish that guilt, after a time, might be wholly forgotten. And once again, this is impatience. Perhaps a later sudden repentance may make it apparent that the former sudden repentance lacked true inwardness.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Either/Or, 1843 (section on repentance)
Sudden, emotional repentance is shallow; true repentance requires patient, inward reflection rather than a quick escape from guilt.
In simple terms: Quick apologies aren't deep; real change takes time.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate patient self‑examination.
Themes
faith
repentance
patience
authenticity
Mood
introspective
serious
Type
theological
philosophical
When to use this quote
- confession
- counseling
- personal growth
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
existentialism
psychology
spirituality
Questions to Reflect On
- What does genuine repentance feel like?
- How can you avoid impulsive guilt‑relief?
A Different Perspective
Impatience can mask genuine remorse, leading to repeated cycles.
![“We need repentance. You see, repentance is not only going to a priest and confessing. We must free ourselves from the obsession of thoughts. We fall many times during our life, and it is absolutely necessary to reveal everything [in Confession] to a priest who is a witness to our repentance…” quote by Elder Thaddeus of Vitovnica](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/84a/elder-thaddeus-of-vitovnica-33_christianity_we-need-repentance-you-see-repentance-is_41357.jpg)
![“The only regret I have in my career, is my managers wanted a big payday, and I wanted four or five more fights before going in with [Larry] Holmes. That would have made all the difference.” quote by Gerry Cooney](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d63/gerry-cooney-20863_bigs_the-only-regret-i-have-in-my-career-is-m_1534.jpg)
