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August 31st

CONSIDER YOUR FAILINGS TOO

“Whenever you take offense at someone’s wrongdoing,

immediately turn to your own similar failings, such as seeing

money as good, or pleasure, or a little fame—whatever form it

takes. By thinking on this, you’ll quickly forget your anger,

considering also what compels them—for what else could they

do? Or, if you are able, remove their compulsion.”

—MARCUS AURELIUS, MEDITATIONS, 10.30

arlier we were reminded of Socrates’s tolerant belief that “no one does
wrong on purpose.” The clearest proof of that hypothesis? All the
times we did wrong without malice or intention. Remember them? The time
you were rude because you hadn’t slept in two days. The time you acted on
bad information. The time you got carried away, forgot, didn’t understand.
The list goes on and on.
This is why it is so important not to write people off or brand them as
enemies. Be as forgiving of them as you are of yourself. Cut them the same
slack you would for yourself so that you can continue to work with them
and make use of their talents.