There are few, very few, that will own themselves in a mistake, though all the World sees them to be in downright nonsense.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Swift observes that very few people admit to being wrong, even when their errors are obvious to everyone else.
- In plain terms
- Most people refuse to admit they are wrong even when it is clear.
- What can you take from it?
- Humility and willingness to admit mistakes are rare.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Why do people struggle to admit they are wrong?
- How can you create safer spaces for admitting mistakes?
Another view
Sometimes admitting fault feels like losing status in competitive environments.
More from Jonathan Swift
There is nothing in this world constant, but inconstancy.
Permalink to quote #8 And surely one of the best rules in conversation is, never to say a thing which any of the company can reasonably wish had been left unsaid:
Permalink to quote #10 Laws are like cobwebs, which may catch small flies, but let wasps and hornets break through.
Permalink to quote #7
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