proverb · Words worth keeping
Pardon all men, but never thyself.
Pardon all men, but never thyself.
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
Be generous toward others while taking your own conduct seriously. The absolute refusal of self-pardon needs to be tempered with responsibility and self-compassion.
Example
Someone apologises for a missed commitment and changes their practice, while responding reasonably when another person makes a similar mistake.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
The saying sets outward forgiveness against an inwardly severe standard. It can challenge the habit of excusing oneself while judging everyone else. Yet never forgiving oneself can prevent learning and repair. A careful reading asks for honest acknowledgment, proportionate correction and a fairer view of others, rather than endless guilt. Forgiveness also does not require someone to ignore harm or restore unsafe contact.
When to use it
Use it to challenge a double standard in how mistakes are judged.
Keep in mind
Accountability allows self-compassion; forgiving others need not remove boundaries or consequences.
An interpretation of the words, not a claim about their earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
- Not established
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin. - Historical period
- Date unknown
- Culture
- English