QuoteProject
To err is nature, to rectify error is glory.
George Washington
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

Making mistakes is a part of being human, but learning from them is what makes us great.

This quote by George Washington emphasizes the natural human tendency to make mistakes, acknowledging that errors are an inherent part of life. However, it highlights that true greatness lies not in the absence of errors, but in the ability to recognize, address, and learn from them, thereby turning a negative situation into a positive outcome.

Themes

ErrorsGloryLearningMistakesGrowth

In practice

Example use cases

In a motivational speech about overcoming challenges.

More from George Washington

Almighty and eternal Lord God, the great Creator of heaven and earth, and the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ; look down from heaven in pity and compassion upon me thy servant, who humbly prostrate myself before thee.
George WashingtonRead
If, in the opinion of the people, the distribution or modification of the constitutional powers be in any particular wrong, let it be corrected by an amendment in the way which the Constitution designates. But let there be no change by usurpation; for though this, in one instance, may be the instrument of good, it is the customary weapon by which free governments are destroyed.
George WashingtonRead
The duty of holding a Neutral conduct may be inferred, without any thing more, from the obligation which justice and humanity impose on every nation, in cases in which it is free to act, to maintain inviolate the relations of Peace and amity toward other Nations.
George WashingtonRead
We began a contest for liberty ill provided with the means for the war, relying on our patriotism to supply the deficiency. We expected to encounter many wants and distressed we must bear the present evils and fortitude
George WashingtonRead
What is most important of this grand experiment, the United States? Not the election of the first president but the election of its second president. The peaceful transition of power is what will separate this country from every other country in the world.
George WashingtonRead
Perseverance and spirit have done wonders in all ages.
George WashingtonRead

Similar quotes

It is terrible to speak well and be wrong.
SophoclesRead
Just knowing you don't have the answers is a recipe for humility, openness, acceptance, forgiveness, and an eagerness to learn - and those are all good things.
Dick Van DykeRead
Meditation is enjoying oneself, just sitting silently doing nothing: happy, joyous without any reason, because all reasons come from outside. You meet a beautiful woman and you are happy, or you meet a beautiful man and you are happy - but the meditator is simply happy. His happiness has no reason from the outside world; his happiness wells up within himself.
RajneeshRead
I'm simply saying that there is a way to be sane. I'm saying that you can get rid of all this insanity created by the past in you. Just by being a simple witness of your thought processes. It is simply sitting silently, witnessing the thoughts, passing before you. Just witnessing, not interfering not even judging, because the moment you judge you have lost the pure witness.
RajneeshRead
Let us live simply in the freshness of the present moment, in the clarity of pure awakened mind.
Matthieu RicardRead
Sometimes when an idea flashes, you distrust it because it seems too easy. You qualify it with all kinds of evasive phrases because you’re timid about it. But often, this turns out to be the best idea of all.
Saul BassRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.