Attitude Quote by Ward Just
““You think such an attitude is admirable. Manly, heroic even. 'Lived harmlessly.' 'Kept to himself.' Hide away somewhere and your past will cease to exist. You won't have to account for it. You'll feel no obligation to explain your actions or justify them because you've gone away and you expect your victims to go away too. It's like leaving the scene of an accident . . . Or a marriage. Even a field of battle.””
About This Quote
The quote suggests that withdrawing from responsibility and hiding one's past is seen as admirable, but it actually avoids accountability and leaves unresolved harm.
In simple terms: Avoiding accountability is portrayed as heroic but is harmful.
Recognize responsibility rather than escape.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- legal contexts
- public scandals
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you hide to avoid blame?
- What are the costs of ignoring past actions?
Escaping accountability can cause further damage and unresolved issues.