I have often thought of it as one of the most barbarous customs in the world, considering us as a civilized and a Christian country, that we deny the advantages of learning to women.
Daniel DefoeRead
I have since often observed, how incongruous and irrational the common temper of mankind is, especially of youth ... that they are not ashamed to sin, and yet are ashamed to repent; not ashamed of the action for which they ought justly to be esteemed fools, but are ashamed of the returning, which only can make them be esteemed wise men.
Interpretation
What this quote means
People often feel shame for seeking forgiveness rather than for committing wrongdoings.
In this quote, Daniel Defoe reflects on the paradoxical nature of human behavior, particularly in youth, where individuals feel embarrassed to repent for their sins even though it is the act of sinning that should incite shame. This observation highlights a deeper commentary on social norms and the psychological barriers to acknowledging one's faults and seeking redemption, suggesting that wisdom lies in humility and the courage to change.
Themes
RepentanceShameWisdomYouthBehavior
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about personal growth and transformation, one might use this quote to illustrate the importance of acknowledging mistakes.
More from Daniel Defoe
All quotes →These reflections made me very sensible of the goodness of Providence to me, and very thankful for my present condition, with all its hardships and misfortunes ; and this part also I cannot but recommend to the reflection of those who are apt, in their misery, to say, Is any affliction like mine? Let them consider how much worse the cases of some people are, and their case might have been, if Providence had thought fit.
Daniel DefoeRead
And which I take notice of here, to put those discontented people in mind of it, who cannot enjoy comfortably what God has given them, because they see and covet something that he has not given them. All our discontents about what we want appeared to me to spring from the want of thankfulness for what we have.
Daniel DefoeRead
Thus fear of danger is ten thousand times more terrifying than danger itself when apparent to the eyes ; and we find the burden of anxiety greater, by much, than the evil which we are anxious about.
Daniel DefoeRead
I hear much of people's calling out to punish the guilty, but very few are concerned to clear the innocent.
Daniel DefoeRead
All men would be tyrants if they could.
Daniel DefoeRead
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