“O conscience, upright and stainless, how bitter a sting to thee is a little fault!”
- c. 1265 – September 14, 1321
- Italian
- Poet, Writer, Philosopher, Author of The Divine Comedy
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Quote
“O conscience, upright and stainless, how bitter a sting to thee is a little fault!”
Explanation
This quote is taken directly from Dante Alighieri’s Purgatorio, Canto III of The Divine Comedy. In the original Italian, Dante writes: “O coscienza, dignitosa e netta, / come picciol fallo amaro morso / ti fa!” This line is a reflection on the sensitivity of a pure conscience, illustrating how even a minor wrongdoing can cause intense inner torment for someone morally upright.
Dante’s theology emphasizes the moral refinement of the soul as it ascends toward divine truth. In Purgatorio, unlike in Inferno, souls are capable of growth and purification. Here, Dante is struck by how a well-formed conscience reacts sharply even to small transgressions, underscoring the idea that the more virtuous a person becomes, the more acutely they feel the weight of their faults. This is in contrast to the hardened indifference of the damned in Hell. It reflects Dante’s belief in the transformative power of self-awareness, repentance, and moral discipline.
Today, this line still holds deep resonance. It reminds us that a well-developed conscience is not merely about avoiding major wrongs, but about cultivating a deep sense of responsibility for even the smallest actions. Whether in leadership, personal relationships, or ethical decisions, this sensitivity can be both a guide and a burden—a sign of integrity that both chastens and elevates the soul. Dante invites us to consider that true moral growth involves not less guilt, but more awareness.
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