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Those who are ashamed of what they ought not to be ashamed; and are not ashamed of what they ought to be - such men, embracing erroneous views, enter the woeful path.
Gautama Buddha
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote highlights the importance of having the right sense of shame, indicating that people often feel ashamed of things they shouldn't and vice versa.

Gautama Buddha's quote suggests that an incorrect sense of shame can lead individuals down a misguided path. It emphasizes the necessity of discerning what is truly worthy of shame and taking responsibility for one's actions and beliefs. Those who fail to align their feelings of shame with their moral compass risk embracing false views, which can ultimately lead to suffering and regret.

Themes

ShameWisdomMoralitySelf-AwarenessResponsibility

In practice

Example use cases

In a philosophy class discussing moral dilemmas, this quote could be used to illustrate the importance of understanding one's own values.

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