To be a man is to be responsible: to be ashamed of miseries you did not cause.
What's the meaning of this quote?
Quote Meaning: This quote, attributed to Antoine de Saint-Exupéry from his wide-ranging body of work, encapsulates a profound perspective on responsibility, empathy, and the moral obligations that come with being human. It challenges us to recognize that true maturity and humanity involve not only acknowledging our personal actions but also feeling a sense of responsibility for the suffering and injustices that exist in the world, even when we are not directly responsible for causing them.
The phrase "To be a man is to be responsible" lays the foundation for the quote's message. It asserts that one of the defining qualities of adulthood is the capacity to take responsibility, not only for one's actions and decisions but also for the broader human experience. It suggests that true maturity involves recognizing our role in the world and acknowledging that our actions, or lack thereof, can impact the lives of others.
The second part of the quote, "to be ashamed of miseries you did not cause," delves into the ethical dimension of responsibility. It implies that being responsible goes beyond just taking credit for our achievements; it also involves acknowledging and feeling a sense of shame or remorse for the suffering, injustices, and miseries that others endure, even if we are not directly responsible for causing them.
In essence, this quote calls on us to cultivate a sense of moral responsibility and empathy for the plight of others. It encourages us to recognize that we are part of a larger human family and that our actions, or lack of action, can contribute to the well-being or suffering of those around us. It challenges us to be aware of the injustices and hardships in the world and to take responsibility for our role in addressing them, whether through our actions, advocacy, or support for charitable causes.
Moreover, this quote serves as a reminder that shame, in this context, is not meant to be a paralyzing or guilt-inducing emotion. Instead, it is a call to action, a motivator for positive change. It urges us to channel our feelings of shame and responsibility into efforts to alleviate suffering, promote justice, and create a more compassionate and equitable world.
In a society that often emphasizes individualism and self-interest, this quote invites us to adopt a broader perspective—one that recognizes that being human involves a profound sense of responsibility for the well-being of others and a commitment to making the world a better place, even when we are not directly responsible for the miseries that exist. It challenges us to embrace our moral obligations and strive to be compassionate, responsible, and empathetic individuals in our interconnected world.
Who said the quote?
The quote "To be a man is to be responsible: to be ashamed of miseries you did not cause." is often attributed to Antoine de Saint-Exupery (Bio / Quotes). Antoine de Saint-Exupery was a French writer and pioneering aviator, best known for his novella "The Little Prince".
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
