Guiltmonger

Guilt is manifested when we feel like we’ve done some sort of harm (real or not) to our sense of moral standards. These moral standards, and how in touch we are with them are what make guilt so complicated. The goalposts move from person to person and are different across cultures, so the effects of feeling guilt can be different, but in general, guilt appears when we feel like we’ve missed the mark in relation to how we should behave in a world where we are not alone, and in which our actions directly affect others.

Hurting other living creatures, or making bad decisions that we know will badly affect others, will cause guilt because we know very well how it would feel if someone else did it to us. It’s because we are well aware of our own weaknesses that we understand how we can hurt others. The fact death terrifies us is what makes us feel guilty if we take a life, etc. We’ve inflicted that harm we’d rather avoid on ourselves, on others.

Self-harm like drug addiction can also cause guilt because we know that it can be tough on our family and loved ones. Guilt is in direct correlation with who is directly involved in our lives. When we cause harm we know that the consequences will be real and directly linked to us.

As horrible as guilt can be, it can also have its benefits. It may be one of the few barriers preventing us from getting away with committing horrible acts. On a smaller scale, it can make us apologize for pasts mistakes, and hopefully serve to mend broken relationships. It can humble you, and allow you to learn from your imperfections. On a bigger scale, it can bring justice to people who you’ve wronged if you make peace with yourself and understand that your entire life philosophy might be ill-conceived, which may even serve to enlighten others and teach them not to follow the same path.

Your conscience and your acts will always be a reflection of who you are, and that’s terrifying. No wonder guilt can make us feel so fragile. It’s a direct attack on our identity, inflicted by ourselves.