and, we're back....

After a brief hiatus, inspiration comes back to me in the form of a quotation. It is as follows:

"A man should never be ashamed to own he has been in the wrong, which is but saying, in other words, that he is is wiser today than he was yesterday"
-Alexander Pope, as quoted in the London Independent as quoted by The Week

I like this because it connects personal growth with the ability to be frank about your shortcoming. No one wants to have to apologize, but clearly sometimes these things are required under the circumstances. And it is hard to do. It takes a great amount of courage. Whether public or personal, nobody enjoys admitting fault. Of course on the flip side, a repentant sinner is always a good story. From the Prodigal Son to George Washington cutting down that tree, to Bill Clinton to Hugh Grant- repentant sinners are forgiven for whatever transgression they are guilty of, and they move on for posterity in a favorable light. The Prodigal Son is one of the most popular stories in the Bible, George Washington went on to become our first president despite cutting down an apple tree to his father's displeasure, Bill Clinton is widely successful as a former president and public persona, and Hugh Grant went on to make several even more successful movies.

Those who can't admit fault, like certain AGs who simply can't remember key meetings, or Michael Vick who utters a half-hearted oops, or christian conservative senators who are caught multiple times in public cruising for gay sex yet continue to deny they are anything but perfectly upstanding, these stubborn people are blinded by their short-sightedness. History doesn't treat these people kindly because cowardice is usually rewarded. We'll see where they end up in 1, 5, or even 100 years.

Here's a link for you re: what makes a good apology, and why they are irreplaceable.

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