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About this quote

What does it mean?
Openly acknowledging one's own foolishness can be liberating and defuse criticism.
In plain terms
Admitting you’re an ass frees you.
What can you take from it?
Own your mistakes to reduce the power of others' judgments.

Where it applies

  • conflict resolution
  • personal growth

Putting it to work

  • use humor in self-critique
  • accept imperfection

Questions to consider

  • When does humility become self‑sabotage?
  • How can you balance honesty with self‑respect?

Another view

Constant self-deprecation may undermine confidence.

More from Anthony de Mello

  1. If you just swallow everything I am telling you, I am brainwashing you.

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  2. Is it possible for the rose to say, 'I will give my fragrance to the good people who smell me, but I will withhold it from the bad?' Or is it possible for the …

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  3. 'I wish to become a teacher of the Truth.' 'Are you prepared to be ridiculed, ignored and starving till you are forty-five?' 'I am. But tell me: What will happ…

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