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About this quote

What does it mean?
Guilt makes people uncomfortable with others' innocence, leading them to pull everyone down.
In plain terms
Guilt people try to make others guilty so they feel better.
What can you take from it?
Guilt often drives people to justify their flaws by criticizing others.

Where it applies

  • interpersonal conflict
  • blame shifting
  • toxic environments

Putting it to work

  • recognizing projection
  • setting boundaries

Questions to consider

  • Why do we fear innocence?
  • How do we handle our guilt?

Another view

Not all criticism comes from guilt; sometimes it is fair.

More from Charles James Fox

  1. All political power is a trust.

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  3. The worst of revolutions is a restoration.

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