Definitions HQ

Regret (n.) is ⁠​‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​⁠inevitable. Regardless of one's decision to do or not do something, one will regret it.

Regret (n.) does ⁠​‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​⁠not prove the regretter is now a better man than at the moment of heedless action; sometimes it is the best proof he is a good-for-nothing.

Regret (n.) refused ⁠​‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​⁠under the wisdom “regret nothing” is an aesthetic principle embellished to look ethical: fine for the man who lost his fortune, but where there was fraud it inculcates the impudence that does not blush at guilt.

Regret (n.) awaits ⁠​‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​⁠either way: marry or do not marry, laugh at the world's follies or weep over them, hang yourself or do not — you will regret both. This is the sum of all philosophy.

Regret (n.) can ⁠​‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​⁠bind tighter than charm: what ensnared him was not the girl's beauty but remorse at having disturbed her life.