Apologize Quote by Randy Pausch
“Be willing to apologize. Proper apologies have three parts: 1) What I did was wrong. 2) I'm sorry that I hurt you. 3) How do I make it better? It's the third part that people tend to forget. Apologize when you screw up and focus on other people, not on yourself.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Commencement Address, Carnegie Mellon University, 2007
Apologizing sincerely requires acknowledging fault, expressing empathy, and offering restitution, yet the last step is often omitted.
In simple terms: True apologies need three parts: admit, empathize, fix.
Key Takeaway
Include the fix when apologizing.
Themes
communication
empathy
responsibility
Mood
reflective
constructive
Type
advice
relationship‑building
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- workplace disputes
- customer service
- team dynamics
Key Concepts
psychology
conflict resolution
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you ensure the remedy is meaningful?
- What barriers prevent you from offering a fix?
A Different Perspective
People may resist offering a solution, fearing it won't satisfy the other party.
