I never wonder to see men wicked, but I often wonder to see them not ashamed.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Wickedness is common, but the lack of shame for it is surprising.
- In plain terms
- People are often bad, but rarely feel bad about it.
- What can you take from it?
- Shame should check bad behavior.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Why don't people feel ashamed of wrong deeds?
- Is shame necessary for goodness?
Another view
Some wicked people are aware of their actions.
More from Jonathan Swift
Invention is the talent of youth, and judgment of age:
Permalink to quote #54 No wise man ever wished to be younger.
Permalink to quote #56 Censure is the tax a man pays to the public for being eminent.
Permalink to quote #53
Related quotes
I have since often observed, how incongruous and irrational the common temper of mankind is, especially of youth, to that reason which ought to guide them in s…
Daniel DefoeDaniel Defoe quote #16 When a man bleeds inwardly, it is a dangerous thing for himself; but when he laughs inwardly, it bodes no good to other people.
Charles DickensCharles Dickens quote #22 Selfishness is the greatest curse of the human race.
William Ewart GladstoneWilliam Ewart Gladstone quote #29