Skip to content
quotesby

About this quote

What does it mean?
The ability to feel embarrassed is the start of moral awareness, and honor comes from feeling guilt.
In plain terms
Embarrassment starts moral awareness and honor comes from guilt.
What can you take from it?
Feeling wrong is the start of doing right.

Where it applies

  • moral growth
  • ethical reflection
  • character building

Putting it to work

  • cultivate moral sensitivity
  • respect conscience

Questions to consider

  • Does guilt lead to growth?
  • What starts moral awareness?

Another view

Some cultures view honor differently without relying on embarrassment.

More from John Leonard

  1. You can't invent yourself as you maunder on. Your fabrications aren't going to impress the blood test, the urinalysis or the chest X-ray. Science is not amused.

    Permalink to quote #30
  2. Isn't it amazing the way the future succeeds in creating an appropriate past?

    Permalink to quote #32
  3. In our brave new world, blushing is a form of nostalgia.

    Permalink to quote #29

Related quotes

  1. The Islamic Revolution of Iran is honourable for it is the cry which has its origin in Ayatollah Khomeini's conscience.

    Ruhollah KhomeiniRuhollah Khomeini quote #108
  2. He had the decency to be appalled by his own brutality.

    Orson Scott CardOrson Scott Card quote #142
  3. The Non-Conformist Conscience makes cowards of us all.

    Max BeerbohmMax Beerbohm quote #1