--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Guilt once harbored in the conscious…" description: "\"Guilt once harbored in the conscious breast, intimidates the brave, degrades the great.\" — Samuel Johnson" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2ba/samuel-johnson-50_brave_guilt-once-harbored-in-the-conscious-bre_2801517.png" --- # Guilt once harbored in the conscious breast, intimidates… ![“Guilt once harbored in the conscious breast, intimidates the brave, degrades the great.” quote by Samuel Johnson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2ba/samuel-johnson-50_brave_guilt-once-harbored-in-the-conscious-bre_2801517.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2ba/samuel-johnson-50_brave_guilt-once-harbored-in-the-conscious-bre_2801517.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2ba/samuel-johnson-50_brave_guilt-once-harbored-in-the-conscious-bre_2801517.png) > “Guilt once harbored in the conscious breast, intimidates the brave, degrades the great.” [Samuel Johnson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samuel-johnson/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Guilt burdens the conscience, weakening courage and diminishing greatness. **In simple terms:** Guilt weakens courage and greatness. Key Takeaway Release guilt to empower action. Themes morality psychology leadership Mood reflective serious Type philosophical motivational When to use this quote - conflict resolution - public speaking - creative work - personal growth Key Concepts Ethics self-awareness Questions to Reflect On - What guilt hinders your progress? - Can guilt be transformed into constructive energy? A Different Perspective Guilt can also motivate positive change. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Brave](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/brave/) [Brave Degrades](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/brave-degrades-3453236/) [Breast Intimidates](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/breast-intimidates-3453239/) [Breasts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/breasts/) [Conscious](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/conscious/) [Courage](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/courage/) [Degrade](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/degrade/) [Guilt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/guilt/) [Guilt Harbored](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/guilt-harbored-3453235/) [Harbored Conscious](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/harbored-conscious-3453238/) [Intimidates Brave](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/intimidates-brave-3453237/) [Intimidating](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/intimidating/) [Regret](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/regret/) ## Related quotes > [An epithet or metaphor drawn from nature ennobles art; an epithet or metaphor drawn from art degrades nature.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/samuel-johnson/an-epithet-or-metaphor-drawn-from-nature-ennobles-art-an-epithet-or/) [Samuel Johnson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samuel-johnson/) > [Of the two, I prefer those who render vice lovable to those who degrade virtue.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joseph-joubert/of-the-two-i-prefer-those-who-render-vice-lovable-to-those-who/) [Joseph Joubert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joseph-joubert/) > [There will be little drudgery in this better ordered world. 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