Quote by Lucretius
Though the dungeon, the scourge, and the executioner be absent, the guilty mind can apply the goad and scorch with blows.
Summary
This quote suggests that even without physical punishments or external consequences, a guilty conscience can act as its own form of punishment. It implies that an individual who feels guilty can mentally torture themselves, constantly reminding themselves of their wrongdoings and feeling the burning sting of guilt. The mention of the dungeon, scourge, and executioner being absent indicates that the internal torment caused by guilt is self-inflicted and doesn't necessarily require external sources of punishment.
Topics
Conscience
By Lucretius