"The worst guilt is to accept an unearned guilt"

This quote by Ayn Rand speaks to the idea that regret must be made, declined without question. Regret is a powerful emotion that can be utilized to manipulate and manage people. When somebody is made to feel guilty for something they did not do, it can be harming to their self-esteem and sense of self-regard. Accepting an unearned guilt can lead to feelings of shame and self-loathing, which can be hard to get rid of. It can also cause a lack of trust in oneself and in others, along with a fear of making errors. By accepting an unearned regret, one is basically distributing their power to somebody else. It is essential to acknowledge when guilt is being utilized to manipulate and to defend oneself. It is likewise important to recognize when one is feeling guilty for something they did refrain from doing and to turn down that guilt. Ayn Rand's quote encourages us to take ownership of our own regret and to decline any guilt that is not earned.