In "The Shadow Land" by Elizabeth Kostova, the author explores the internal struggles of a well-meaning individual who perceives themselves as flawed or morally inferior. This distorted sense of self-worth can lead to a downward spiral, where the person feels unworthy of taking action or pursuing their aspirations. As a consequence, they may withdraw from life and opportunities, impacting their overall well-being.

The quote highlights the psychological conflict that can arise when someone with good intentions believes they are inherently bad. This belief can be self-destructive, stifling their potential and leading to inaction. Kostova emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and the danger of letting negative self-perceptions dictate one’s life choices.