I think it is sort of two fold - thinking one could have done something (the guilty part) gives one power in a sense but the sort of deferential position which makes it less direct and second it does keep a person in the game. I actually do not struggle much with this - I don't feel guilty about choices other people make or think I could/should have saved them (I have many other things, just not that particular one) - so I could be completely wrong. So I do understand the quote some and agree with it sort of. NOt as a condemnation, but as it is a choice one makes. I do see it as a way to keep a focus on oneself. My mother bludgeoned us with her self guilt so it is an area I probably have a reaction to. I often wanted to yell that it was not about her and to just get away because it had nothing to do with her.