"Island of regret.- Island of remorse." by Erik Pevernagie, oil on canvas100 x 80 cm)

Regret is the insight that comes too late. Too little and too late. Too little empathy and too late awareness.

"Regret and remorse" are dialectic issues about what has been done, what should have been done, and what should not have been done.

Between our craves and our regrets stands the live stage of the presence that must give consistency and feel-good vibes to our life. It raises the appeal of willingness and reconciles the history of our past with the expectations of the future.

The way we evaluate things in life depends on our perception. The manner we value the quality of issues or events depends on our skill and expertise, and our assessment is determined by how we recognize and interpret facts.

When we can conciliate emotion and intelligence, we avoid slippery slopes. Being attentive and mindful allows us to show empathy and understanding. If we do not want wild passion overwhelming us, we can appraise matters unbiased and avoid remorse or regret.

On March 13, 1964, neighbors had ignored Kitty Genovese's screams for help as she was stabbed to death. Neighbors heard her crying but remained "apathetic."

Later on, they expressed remorse for their lack of concern for what they had not done: notably getting involved and calling the police. This practical example of a collective loss of innocence illustrates the indisposition to assist neighbors or peers in need. The "Genovese syndrome" points up a failed construction of living together and a hapless functioning of modern urban life.

Phenomenon : Remorse - Regret - urban apathy

Factual starting point ːtwo figures looking downwards