If there is sin against life, it consists… in hoping for another life and in eluding the implacable grandeur of this life.
—Albert Camus (1913–60) Algerian-born French Philosopher, Dramatist, Novelist
The only people who should really sin are the people who can sin and grin.
—Ogden Nash (1902–71) American Writer of Sophisticated Light Verse
There is no sin except stupidity.
—Oscar Wilde (1854–1900) Irish Poet, Playwright
Sin is geographical.
—Bertrand A. Russell (1872–1970) British Philosopher, Mathematician, Social Critic
Birds never sing in caves.
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–62) American Philosopher
Commit a sin twice and it will not seem a crime.
—Hebrew Proverb
All sins cast long shadows.
—Irish Proverb
Sin writes histories, goodness is silent.
—Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749–1832) German Poet
Even the most evil of men and women, if you understand their hearts, had some generous act that redeems them, at least a little, from their sins.
—Orson Scott Card (b.1951) American Author
A single grateful thought toward heaven is the most perfect prayer.
—Gotthold Ephraim Lessing (1729–81) German Writer, Philosopher
I fear nothing but doing wrong.
—Laurence Sterne (1713–68) Irish Anglican Novelist, Clergyman
Our jobs determine to a large extent what our lives are like. Is what you do for a living making you ill? Does it keep you from becoming a more fully realized person? Do you feel ashamed of what you have to do at work? All too often, the answer to such questions is yes. Yet it does not have to be like that. Work can be one of the most joyful, most fulfilling aspects of life. Whether it will be or not depends on the actions we collectively take.
—Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (1934–2021) Hungarian-American Psychologist
Those of us who were brought up as Christians and have lost our faith have retained the sense of sin without the saving belief in redemption. This poisons our thought and so paralyses us in action.
—Cyril Connolly (1903–74) British Literary Critic, Writer
If thou wouldst conquer thy weakness thou must never gratify it.—No man is compelled to evil; only his consent makes it his.—It is no sin to be tempted; it is to yield and be overcome.
—William Penn (1644–1718) American Entrepreneur, Philosopher, Political Leader
When you think that someone or something other than yourself needs to change, you’re mentally out of your business.
—Byron Katie (b.1942) American Speaker, Author
There are only two kinds of men: the righteous who think they are sinners and the sinners who think they are righteous.
—Blaise Pascal (1623–62) French Mathematician, Physicist, Theologian
He that falls into sin is a man, that grieves at it is a saint, that boasteth of it is a devil; yet some glory in that shame, counting the stains of sin the best complexion of their souls.
—Thomas Fuller (1608–61) English Cleric, Historian
The just man may sin with an open chest of gold before him.
—Italian Proverb
He whose hand is not wounded can carry poison. A poisonous liquid cannot seep into such a hand, nor can evil befall him who has done no wrong.
—Buddhist Teaching
Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a blame to any people.
—The Holy Bible Scripture in the Christian Faith
All sins have their origin in a sense of inferiority otherwise called ambition.
—Cesare Pavese (1908–50) Italian Novelist, Poet, Critic, Translator
It makes a great deal of difference whether one wills not to sin or has not the knowledge to sin.
—Seneca the Younger (Lucius Annaeus Seneca) (c.4 BCE–65 CE) Roman Stoic Philosopher, Statesman, Tragedian
When we think of death, a thousand sins, which we have trodden as worms beneath our feet, rise up against us as flaming serpents.
—Walter Scott (1771–1832) Scottish Novelist, Poet, Playwright, Lawyer
There are many scapegoats for our sins, but the most popular is providence.
—Mark Twain (1835–1910) American Humorist
Sin may open bright as the morning, but it will end dark as night.
—Thomas De Witt Talmage (1832–1902) American Clergyman, Author
Curse the sin, not the sinner.
—The Talmud Sacred Text of the Jewish Faith
There are some sins which are more justly to be denominated surprises than infidelities. To such the world should be lenient, as, doubtless, Heaven is forgiving.
—Jean Baptiste Massillon (1663–1742) French Catholic Bishop, Preacher
Unlikely accomplishments are borne out of single-minded purposefulness. Future superstars don’t get there by keeping part of their heart in reserve.
—John Eliot (b.1971) American Psychologist, Academic
One is most dishonest to one’s god: he is not allowed to sin.
—Friedrich Nietzsche (1844–1900) German Philosopher, Scholar, Writer
God’s plan made a hopeful beginning. But man spoiled his chances by sinning. We trust that the story will end in God’s glory. But, at present, the other side’s winning.
—Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. (1809–94) American Physician, Essayist
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