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Choices Quote by W. H. Auden

“To have a sense of sin means to feel guilty at there being an ethical choice to make, a guilt which, however "good" I may become, remains unchanged.” quote by W. H. Auden
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“To have a sense of sin means to feel guilty at there being an ethical choice to make, a guilt which, however "good" I may become, remains unchanged.”

W. H. Auden

About This Quote

Source Poem: “The Unknown Citizen”, 1939

Feeling guilt about ethical choices persists even after personal improvement.

In simple terms: Guilt remains despite moral growth.

Key Takeaway

Acknowledge and address lingering guilt.

Themes

ethics guilt self‑reflection

Mood

thoughtful introspective

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • making decisions
  • self‑assessment
  • conflict resolution

Key Concepts

moral philosophy psychology personal accountability

Questions to Reflect On

  • What ethical dilemmas trigger your guilt?
  • Can forgiveness alter your sense of sin?
A Different Perspective

Guilt may hinder progress if unexamined.

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