“A man who has committed a mistake and does not correct it is committing another mistake.”
—
Confucius
Analects XV.30 (trans. James Legge), interpretation
Commentary
Confucius distinguishes between making a mistake (human, inevitable) and failing to correct it (moral failure). The first is forgivable; the second is a compounding of error.
To acknowledge a mistake requires humility and courage. One must admit the error, understand its causes, and commit to change. This is harder than repeating the same error.
The teaching implies that excellence is not error-free conduct but the willingness and ability to recognize and correct mistakes quickly. The superior person is defined not by never erring but by prompt correction.
Commentary
Confucius distinguishes between making a mistake (human, inevitable) and failing to correct it (moral failure). The first is forgivable; the second is a compounding of error.
To acknowledge a mistake requires humility and courage. One must admit the error, understand its causes, and commit to change. This is harder than repeating the same error.
The teaching implies that excellence is not error-free conduct but the willingness and ability to recognize and correct mistakes quickly. The superior person is defined not by never erring but by prompt correction.