I hurt myself deeply, though at the time I had no idea how deeply. I should have learned many things from that experience, but when I look back on it, all I gained was one single, undeniable fact. That ultimately I am a person who can do evil. I never consciously tried to hurt anyone, yet good intentions notwithstanding, when necessity demanded, I could become completely self-centred, even cruel. I was the kind of person who could, using some plausible excuse, inflict on a person I cared for a wound that would never heal.
The quote reflects a deep personal realization about the capacity for harm that lies within oneself. The author acknowledges that despite never intending to cause pain, circumstances can lead a person to act in selfish and cruel ways. This self-reflection reveals a struggle with the darker sides of human nature, highlighting how even those with good intentions can still inflict lasting wounds on others.
This understanding comes with a sense of regret and recognition of one's own flaws. The narrator looks back at past experiences and realizes that the most significant takeaway is the acknowledgment of their potential for evil. This compelling introspection explores the complexities of human relationships and the unintended consequences that can arise from our actions.
