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All men make mistakes, but a good man yields when he knows his course is wrong, and repairs the evil. The only crime is pride.
Sophocles
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Acknowledging one's mistakes and correcting them is a mark of true character, while pride can lead to greater faults.

This quote emphasizes the importance of humility and accountability in human behavior. It suggests that everyone erred, but a truly virtuous person is one who recognizes his wrongdoings and takes steps to make amends. The notion that pride is the only real crime serves as a warning against allowing ego to cloud judgment and prevent personal growth.

Themes

MistakesHumilityPrideAccountabilityCharacter

In practice

Example use cases

During a leadership workshop to illustrate the importance of humility in leadership.

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