A Vain Fear of Failure
“Theologically, a scruple is defined as ‘a vain fear of sin where there is no reason or reasonable ground for suspecting sin,’ and I would add, a vain fear of compromise, a vain fear of failure, a vain fear of the judgment of others where there is no good reason to be concerned.
…If a man tells me that he has a scruple against taking a life, I cannot but accept it as commendable. If however that same man makes one principle, say ‘reverence for life,’ his exclusive spring of action in such a way that no other fact or principle can enter in, he is on the road to losing even his one principle. I can well imagine this one-principled man coming to the point where he fears to take a step lest he crush an insect. ‘Reverence for life’ may be a good principle but no one principle will do to inform the conscience.”
— Gilbert Kilpack, 1956 (source)
Quaker lecturer and former Director of Studies at Pendle Hill
Today’s Invitation
Holding on to scruples can stem from vanity and keeps us from living a life of action in an imperfect world. Consider if fear of imperfection is actually keeping you from being in integrity with your values.
This Week’s Query
How do you balance honesty with kindness?
Has there been a time when you had to choose between the two?
Photo credit: “Stone Sky,” copyright James Turrell
