This site is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Alan William Smolowe who gave birth to the creation of this database.
We have few faults that are not more excusable in themselves than are the means which we use to conceal them.
Means |
We acknowledge our faults in order to repair by our sincerity the damage they have done us in the eyes of others.
We all find in others the faults that are found in ourselves.
We have scarcely any faults which are not more excusable than the means we adopt to conceal them.
Means |
Almost all our faults are more pardonable than the methods we resort to hide them.
Self-righteousness is a loud din raised to drown the voice of guilt within us.
Guilt | Righteousness | Self | Self-righteousness |
Guilt binds us to the darkest part of ourselves… Shame and guilt are deeply connected… Guilt and time are closely connected, too. Since guilt always comes from the past, it keeps the past alive… Only when you release your guilt do you truly release your past to create a new future.
If is never too late with us, so long as we are aware of our faults and bear them impatiently.
Love and guilt cannot coexist, and to accept one is to deny the other.
Since trifles make the sum of human things, and half our misery from our foibles springs; since life’s best joys consist in peace and ease, and few can save or serve, but all may please; Oh! let th’ ungentle spirit learn from hence a small unkindness is a great offense, large bounties to restore we wish in vain, but all may shun the guilt of giving pain.
Giving | Guilt | Life | Life | Offense | Pain | Peace | Spirit | Trifles | Unkindness | Learn |
Forgiveness is one of the least understood of all spiritual practices. It has nothing to do with condoning poor behavior in ourselves and others. Rather, it calls us to responsibility. In forgiving ourselves, we make the journey from guilt for what we have done (or not done) to celebration of what we become.
Behavior | Forgiveness | Guilt | Journey | Nothing | Responsibility |
In the last analysis we remain persons who must flee from ourselves and from the dark mystery of our threatening guilt in order to find our true selves in God. Whoever has understood the importance of this flight, this critical distancing of ourselves from ourselves, whoever has understood this knows that it comes about only by allowing oneself to be loved by an infinite and all-forgiving love, which is called God, and by believing, hoping and loving in this love.
He who exhibits no faults is a fool or a hypocrite whom we should distrust.
Distrust |
Cicero, fully Marcus Tullius Cicero, anglicized as Tully NULL
Guilt is the only evil; but no guilt accrues when the issue is one against which there are no guarantees.
Cicero, fully Marcus Tullius Cicero, anglicized as Tully NULL
It is the peculiar quality of a fool to perceive the faults of others and to forget his own.