Junko: That sort of thing happens all the time. You get…
““Junko: That sort of thing happens all the time. You get drunk on your own "correctness," and the more stubborn you get, the further happiness flies away from you. It's a bitter pill to swallow. Madoka: I wonder if there's any way I can help... Junko: Even good advice from others won't bring any clear solutions to someone in that frame of mind. ...Even so, you want to find a solution? Then go ahead and screw up. If she's being too correct, then somebody should make mistakes for her. Madoka: I should screw up...? Junko: Yep! Tell a really bad lie. Run away in the face of something scary. She may not understand what you're trying to do at first, but there are times when you realize in hindsight that a mistake was the right thing to do... During those times when you're just stuck for an answer, making a mistake is one method of unsticking yourself. Madoka, you've grown up to be a good kid. You don't tell lies, and you don't do bad things. You're a girl who works hard at what she thinks is right. You get an "A" as a child. So before you become an adult, you have to start practicing falling down. You see, we adults have our pride and responsibilities, so it becomes harder and harder to make mistakes.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Overemphasis on perfection blocks happiness; intentional mistakes can restore balance and growth.
In simple terms: Being too correct hinders joy; making mistakes can help.
Allow yourself to err to break stagnation.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- personal development
- creative problem solving
- emotional healing
- risk taking
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- When have you let fear of being wrong stop you?
- What can a small error teach you?
Mistakes may cause unintended harm or reinforce bad habits.