In "Wolf Hall," author Hilary Mantel explores the complexities of personal and moral debt through a character's reflections. The quote suggests that some debts, whether emotional or relational, are best left unaccounted for, emphasizing a nuanced understanding of obligation. The speaker acknowledges their awareness of what they are owed but prioritizes the concept of their own debts, indicating a deeper sense of responsibility and humility.

This perspective highlights the intricate balance between acknowledgment of one’s own worth and the ethical considerations of what one owes to others. It raises questions about the nature of relationships and the unquantifiable debts that exist beyond financial transactions. Mantel effectively illustrates that the true measure of our lives may lie in these intangible debts, shaping our actions and interactions with those around us.