Edna St. Vincent Millay

My god is all gods in one. When I see a beautiful sunset, I worship the god of Nature; when I see a hidden action brought to light, I worship the god of Truth; when I see a bad man punished and a good man go free, I worship the god of Justice; when I see a penitent forgiven, I worship the god of Mercy.

American Author

Bret Stephens

Listen carefully to the global warming alarmists, and the main theme that emerges is that what the developed world needs is a large dose of penance. What's remarkable is the extent to which penance sells among a mostly secular audience. What is there to be penitent about?

American Journalist

Deborah Sampson

In whatever I may be thought to have been unnatural, unwise and indelicate, it is now my most fervent desire it may have a suitable impression on you - and on me, a penitent for every wrong thought and step.

American Soldier

Saint Bernard

The impudence of the sinner displeases God as much as the modesty of the penitent gives him pleasure.

Saint

Theodor W. Adorno

The gods look in pleasure on penitent sinners.

German Philosopher

Conveys deep regret and a strong desire to correct past actions, often implying moral reflection.

Emotional Weight

Used to describe someone's behavior or demeanor when they are truly sorry about their mistakes.

Sincere Apology

Often used in religious or spiritual contexts to describe someone seeking forgiveness or atonement.

Religious Context

Refers specifically to a person who repents on their wrongdoing, focusing on the individual's moral journey.

Personification

A penitent person doesn't merely apologize, they go through a process of self-reflection and intend to change.

Reflection Required

In some cultures, being a penitent might involve specific rituals or public acts of atonement.

Penitent