The speaker reflects on the detrimental effects of guilt, highlighting how it undermines a person's integrity and courage. Guilt acts as a moral compass, making a man feel accused for wrongdoing, whether it involves theft, lying, or infidelity. It emerges as a shameful force that disrupts one's inner peace and creates barriers in life, suggesting that those who harbor it suffer greatly.

The speaker shares a personal anecdote about being compelled by guilt to return found money, illustrating its power to influence behavior. Guilt is portrayed as a societal outcast, one that individuals strive to avoid if they wish to lead a virtuous life. In this way, the speaker advocates for a life free from the burdens of guilt, promoting self-reliance and personal responsibility.