"Guilt has very quick ears to an accusation"

Henry Fielding's quote, "Guilt has very quick ears to an accusation", encapsulates a deep understanding of human psychology, particularly in how people respond to allegations when they are already burdened by a sense of regret. The metaphor of "quick ears" suggests an acute sensitivity to the sounds or hints of blame or criticism. When someone is guilty, they are frequently hyper-aware of being discovered or slammed, hence they tend to view allegations-- whether direct or indirect-- a lot more readily than those who are not guilt-ridden.

This quote can be interpreted to imply that regret increases one's understanding or awareness, typically to the point of being extremely sensitive or protective. A guilty conscience can lead people to read into circumstances, words, or gestures in manner ins which others may not. For example, a remark or a look that is harmless to the majority of people might feel like an allegation to someone harboring guilt.

This increased level of sensitivity is part of a psychological system where the guilty individual's conscience is constantly on the lookout for risks of exposure or judgment. The repercussions of their actions, whether understood yet or not, produce internal tension and worry, leading them to anticipate fight at any moment. This anticipation of being discovered makes them more attuned to any hint of allegation.

Moreover, the expression suggests a self-fulfilling prediction; because guilty people are so expectant of being implicated, they may act nervously or defensively, consequently exciting suspicion and drawing in the extremely allegations they fear. This dynamic can perpetuate a cycle where the regret sets off sensitivity, which in turn might lead to habits that draw additional examination and real accusation.

Fielding's observation, for that reason, talks to how our internal states, especially complex emotions like regret, considerably change our understanding and responses to the external world, forming our interactions and possibly determining outcomes.