The protagonist reflects on his mother's words about the universal nature of guilt, realizing their depth for the first time. He contemplates how negligence or lack of awareness can contribute to personal shortcomings and moral failings, indicating an important connection between actions and responsibility.

This realization sets the stage for his internal struggle, as he confronts his past behavior and its implications. The idea that everyone carries a degree of guilt, however subtle, prompts him to examine his choices more critically, suggesting an awakening to the complexities of human nature and morality.