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To err is human; to forgive people and yourself for poor behavior is to be sensible and realistic.
Albert Ellis
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Making mistakes is part of being human, and forgiving ourselves and others is a wise approach.

This quote emphasizes that errors are a natural part of human behavior, and rather than dwelling on those mistakes, recognizing the importance of forgiveness—both for ourselves and others—is essential for personal growth and moving forward in life. It suggests that to achieve a balanced and realistic perspective, one must embrace imperfections and exhibit compassion.

Themes

ForgivenessHumanityMistakesSensibleRealistic

In practice

Example use cases

In a speech about growth and resilience, one might say, 'As Albert Ellis said, to err is human; to forgive ourselves is the key to moving forward.'

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Quote by Albert Ellis | QuoteProject