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An apology offered and, equally important, received is a step towards reconciliation and, sometimes, recompense. Without that process, hurts can rankle and fester and erupt into their own hatreds and wrongdoings.
Margaret Macmillan
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Interpretation

What this quote means

An apology is essential for healing and mending relationships.

This quote emphasizes the importance of both giving and receiving apologies in the process of reconciliation. It highlights that without addressing grievances through apology, unresolved feelings can lead to greater animosity and conflict.

Themes

ApologyForgivenessReconciliationRelationshipsHealing

In practice

Example use cases

During a conflict resolution workshop, this quote could be shared to emphasize the importance of addressing past mistakes.

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Nominally left- and right-wing populists differ primarily in their choice of which 'others' to exclude and attack, with the former singling out big corporations and oligarchs, and the latter targeting ethnic or religious minorities.
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