How many on their deathbeds wished they'd spent more time at the office - or watching TV? The answer is, No one.
Stephen CoveyRead
It takes a great deal of character strength to apologize quickly out of one's heart rather than out of pity. A person must possess himself and have a deep sense of security in fundamental principles and values in order to genuinely apologize.
Interpretation
What this quote means
A true apology comes from a place of genuine humility and character, not just courtesy.
Stephen Covey emphasizes that a sincere apology requires inner strength and a strong sense of personal integrity. Rather than simply apologizing out of obligation or pity, it reflects an individual’s character to truly acknowledge their wrongdoing and make amends from a place of genuine remorse.
Themes
ApologyCharacterIntegrityHumilityStrength
In practice
Example use cases
During a conflict resolution workshop, I shared this quote to highlight the importance of sincere apologies.
More from Stephen Covey
All quotes →If you want to have a more pleasant, cooperative teenager, be a more understanding, empathic, consistent, loving parent. If you want to have more freedom, more latitude in your job, be a more responsible, a more helpful, a more contributing employee.
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Listen with your eyes for feelings.
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If we live out of our memory, we're tied to the past and to that which is finite. When we live out of our imagination, _x000D_ we're tied to that which is infinite.
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Synergy is the highest activity of life; it creates new untapped alternatives; it values and exploits the mental, emotional, and psychological differences between people.
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Keep in mind that you are always saying "no" to something. If it isn't to the apparent and urgent things in your life, it is probably to the most fundamental, highly important things.
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