--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Apology is mankind's nearest course to…" description: "\"Apology is mankind's nearest course to perfection.\" — Wes Fesler" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1e3/wes-fesler-2759_apology_apology-is-mankind-s-nearest-course-to-p_1391432.png" --- # Apology is mankind's nearest course to perfection. ![“Apology is mankind's nearest course to perfection.” quote by Wes Fesler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1e3/wes-fesler-2759_apology_apology-is-mankind-s-nearest-course-to-p_1391432.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1e3/wes-fesler-2759_apology_apology-is-mankind-s-nearest-course-to-p_1391432.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1e3/wes-fesler-2759_apology_apology-is-mankind-s-nearest-course-to-p_1391432.png) > “Apology is mankind's nearest course to perfection.” [Wes Fesler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/wes-fesler/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Apologizing is humanity's closest step toward perfection. **In simple terms:** Apology moves us toward better selves. Key Takeaway Own mistakes to grow. Themes humility growth communication Mood reflective empathetic Type personal ethical When to use this quote - relationships - customer service - leadership - conflict resolution - personal development Key Concepts psychology ethics Questions to Reflect On - What makes an apology genuine? - How can apologies repair trust? A Different Perspective Apologies can be insincere or ineffective. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Apology](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/apology/) [Apology Mankind](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/apology-mankind-4850736/) [Courses](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/courses/) [Inspirational](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/inspirational/) [Mankind](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mankind/) [Mankind Nearest](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mankind-nearest-4850737/) [Perfection](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/perfection/) ## Related quotes > [Sometimes the greatest victories we can make for mankind are the victories we make over ourselves.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wes-fesler/sometimes-the-greatest-victories-we-can-make-for-mankind-are-the/) [Wes Fesler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/wes-fesler/) > [A concern with the perfectibility of mankind is always a symptom of thwarted or perverted development.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hugh-kingsmill/a-concern-with-the-perfectibility-of-mankind-is-always-a-symptom-of/) [Hugh Kingsmill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hugh-kingsmill/) > [“of all things the perfection is to imitate the face of mankind”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nicholas-hilliard/of-all-things-the-perfection-is-to-imitate-the-face-of-mankind/) [Nicholas Hilliard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nicholas-hilliard/) > [And you will, by the dignity of your Conduct, afford occasion for Posterity to say, when speaking of the glorious example you have exhibited…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-washington/and-you-will-by-the-dignity-of-your-conduct-afford-occasion-for/) [George Washington](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-washington/) > [It is not the child as a physical but as a psychic being that can provide a strong impetus to the betterment of mankind.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/maria-montessori/it-is-not-the-child-as-a-physical-but-as-a-psychic-being-that-can/) [Maria Montessori](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/maria-montessori/) > [“I don’t care if you’ve changed. I don’t care who you are now. I don’t need or want your explanations because what you did,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/samantha-young/i-don-t-care-if-you-ve-changed-i-don-t-care-who-you-are-now-i-don-t/) [Samantha Young](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samantha-young/) > [If I can get enough signatures, to present an apology to slavery, I will present it to the President. The House of Representatives has…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kirk-douglas/if-i-can-get-enough-signatures-to-present-an-apology-to-slavery-i/) [Kirk Douglas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kirk-douglas/) > [Apologizing does not always mean you are wrong, it just means that value your relationships more than your ego.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chinier-bennett/apologizing-does-not-always-mean-you-are-wrong-it-just-means-that/) [Chinier Bennett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chinier-bennett/) > [In the formation of such a government, it is not only the right, but the indispensable duty of every citizen to examine the principles…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/noah-webster/in-the-formation-of-such-a-government-it-is-not-only-the-right-but/) [Noah Webster](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/noah-webster/) > [And apologies, once postponed, become harder and harder to make, and finally impossible.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/margaret-mitchell/and-apologies-once-postponed-become-harder-and-harder-to-make-and/) [Margaret Mitchell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/margaret-mitchell/) > [“A lady need never apologize. ~ Joseph de Bonaparte (Brother of Napoleon)”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/allison-pataki/a-lady-need-never-apologize-joseph-de-bonaparte-brother-of-napoleon/) [Allison Pataki](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/allison-pataki/) > [It's hard to say sorry when It's really your fault.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rakii-retondo/it-s-hard-to-say-sorry-when-it-s-really-your-fault/) [Rakii Retondo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rakii-retondo/) > [“Why do we apologize for advocating for ourselves? Why do we apologize for taking up space that we are entitled to? Why do we…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/elizabeth-tambascio/why-do-we-apologize-for-advocating-for-ourselves-why-do-we-apologize/) [Elizabeth Tambascio](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/elizabeth-tambascio/) > [Apologies are not pass/fail.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/randy-pausch/apologies-are-not-pass-fail/) [Randy Pausch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/randy-pausch/) > [The greatest act of courage is to be and to ownall of who you are—without apology, without excuses, without masks to cover the truth…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/debbie-ford/the-greatest-act-of-courage-is-to-be-and-to-ownall-of-who-you-are/) [Debbie Ford](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/debbie-ford/) ## More by Wes Fesler > [Sometimes the greatest victories we can make for mankind are the victories we make over ourselves.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wes-fesler/sometimes-the-greatest-victories-we-can-make-for-mankind-are-the/) [Wes Fesler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/wes-fesler/) > [Commitment is taking the first step, even if it means falling the rest of the way down.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wes-fesler/commitment-is-taking-the-first-step-even-if-it-means-falling-the-rest/) [Wes Fesler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/wes-fesler/) > [Being assertive in the home does not produce any smiling faces, but it does bring out a few tongues.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wes-fesler/being-assertive-in-the-home-does-not-produce-any-smiling-faces-but-it/) [Wes Fesler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/wes-fesler/) > [More is required than a common last name to truly be called a family.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wes-fesler/more-is-required-than-a-common-last-name-to-truly-be-called-a-family/) [Wes Fesler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/wes-fesler/) > [Ignorance speaks loudly, so as to be heard; but its volume proves reason to doubt every word.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wes-fesler/ignorance-speaks-loudly-so-as-to-be-heard-but-its-volume-proves/) [Wes Fesler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/wes-fesler/) > [I am proactive in every duty, except that which requires action.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wes-fesler/i-am-proactive-in-every-duty-except-that-which-requires-action/) [Wes Fesler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/wes-fesler/) > [When the world grinds you down, bent to tear you apart, cling to what you hold dear, and stay true to your heart. For…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wes-fesler/when-the-world-grinds-you-down-bent-to-tear-you-apart-cling-to-what/) [Wes Fesler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/wes-fesler/) > [Commitment hangs on when all else has fallen.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wes-fesler/commitment-hangs-on-when-all-else-has-fallen/) [Wes Fesler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/wes-fesler/) > [Children have an uncanny memory for what parents say, but don't do.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wes-fesler/children-have-an-uncanny-memory-for-what-parents-say-but-don-t-do/) [Wes Fesler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/wes-fesler/) > [By persistent hard work you will rise to success, but ultimately your accomplishments will be measured by how you treated your loved ones on…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wes-fesler/by-persistent-hard-work-you-will-rise-to-success-but-ultimately-your/) [Wes Fesler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/wes-fesler/) > [If there can be no love without hate, then I love to hate hate.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wes-fesler/if-there-can-be-no-love-without-hate-then-i-love-to-hate-hate/) [Wes Fesler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/wes-fesler/) > [Hypocrisy is the audacity to preach integrity from a den of corruption.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wes-fesler/hypocrisy-is-the-audacity-to-preach-integrity-from-a-den-of-corruption/) [Wes Fesler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/wes-fesler/) > [A father who denies a child of his attention is no better than a fully-equipped medic who watches idly as a soldier bleeds to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wes-fesler/a-father-who-denies-a-child-of-his-attention-is-no-better-than-a/) [Wes Fesler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/wes-fesler/) > [The most dire of all of life's grueling deceptions wedge themselves in in our minds between truth and perceptions.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wes-fesler/the-most-dire-of-all-of-life-s-grueling-deceptions-wedge-themselves/) [Wes Fesler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/wes-fesler/) > [When you become who you wish to be, there is no need for envy.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wes-fesler/when-you-become-who-you-wish-to-be-there-is-no-need-for-envy/) [Wes Fesler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/wes-fesler/) [Explore all 151 Wes Fesler quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/wes-fesler/) ## More Apology quotes > [The greatest act of courage is to be and to ownall of who you are—without apology, without excuses, without masks to cover the truth…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/debbie-ford/the-greatest-act-of-courage-is-to-be-and-to-ownall-of-who-you-are/) [Debbie Ford](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/debbie-ford/) > [Apologies are not pass/fail.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/randy-pausch/apologies-are-not-pass-fail/) [Randy Pausch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/randy-pausch/) > [“Why do we apologize for advocating for ourselves? Why do we apologize for taking up space that we are entitled to? Why do we…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/elizabeth-tambascio/why-do-we-apologize-for-advocating-for-ourselves-why-do-we-apologize/) [Elizabeth Tambascio](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/elizabeth-tambascio/) > [It's hard to say sorry when It's really your fault.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rakii-retondo/it-s-hard-to-say-sorry-when-it-s-really-your-fault/) [Rakii Retondo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rakii-retondo/) > [“A lady need never apologize. ~ Joseph de Bonaparte (Brother of Napoleon)”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/allison-pataki/a-lady-need-never-apologize-joseph-de-bonaparte-brother-of-napoleon/) [Allison Pataki](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/allison-pataki/) > [And apologies, once postponed, become harder and harder to make, and finally impossible.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/margaret-mitchell/and-apologies-once-postponed-become-harder-and-harder-to-make-and/) [Margaret Mitchell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/margaret-mitchell/) > [In the formation of such a government, it is not only the right, but the indispensable duty of every citizen to examine the principles…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/noah-webster/in-the-formation-of-such-a-government-it-is-not-only-the-right-but/) [Noah Webster](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/noah-webster/) > [Apologizing does not always mean you are wrong, it just means that value your relationships more than your ego.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chinier-bennett/apologizing-does-not-always-mean-you-are-wrong-it-just-means-that/) [Chinier Bennett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chinier-bennett/) > [If I can get enough signatures, to present an apology to slavery, I will present it to the President. The House of Representatives has…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kirk-douglas/if-i-can-get-enough-signatures-to-present-an-apology-to-slavery-i/) [Kirk Douglas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kirk-douglas/) > [“I don’t care if you’ve changed. I don’t care who you are now. I don’t need or want your explanations because what you did,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/samantha-young/i-don-t-care-if-you-ve-changed-i-don-t-care-who-you-are-now-i-don-t/) [Samantha Young](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samantha-young/) > [I never said Kristen ruined my wedding. At the time, when a million other things had fallen apart that day, I felt like she…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/scheana-shay/i-never-said-kristen-ruined-my-wedding-at-the-time-when-a-million/) [Scheana Shay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/scheana-shay/) > [The greatest form of maturity is at harvest time. This is when we must learn how to reap without complaint if the amounts are…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jim-rohn/the-greatest-form-of-maturity-is-at-harvest-time-this-is-when-we-must/) [Jim Rohn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jim-rohn/) > [“It's clear he still feels something, but what? Is the whole reason he made such a big deal about wanting to talk to me…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/carey-heywood/it-s-clear-he-still-feels-something-but-what-is-the-whole-reason-he/) [Carey Heywood](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/carey-heywood/) > [I wasn't saying whatever they're saying I was saying. I'm sorry I said it really. I never meant it to be a lousy anti-religious…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-lennon/i-wasn-t-saying-whatever-they-re-saying-i-was-saying-i-m-sorry-i-said/) [John Lennon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-lennon/) > [For every person who atones, a hundred others find regret sufficient.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-breault/for-every-person-who-atones-a-hundred-others-find-regret-sufficient/) [Robert Breault](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-breault/) [Browse all 1,300 Apology quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/apology/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "Apology is mankind's nearest course to perfection.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Wes Fesler" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wes-fesler/apology-is-mankind-s-nearest-course-to-perfection/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Apology" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wes-fesler/apology-is-mankind-s-nearest-course-to-perfection/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1e3/wes-fesler-2759_apology_apology-is-mankind-s-nearest-course-to-p_1391432.png", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1e3/wes-fesler-2759_apology_apology-is-mankind-s-nearest-course-to-p_1391432.png", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1e3/wes-fesler-2759_apology_apology-is-mankind-s-nearest-course-to-p_1391432.png", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“Apology is mankind's nearest course to perfection.” — Wes Fesler", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Wes Fesler", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/wes-fesler/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Apology is mankind's nearest course to...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wes-fesler/apology-is-mankind-s-nearest-course-to-perfection/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wes-fesler/apology-is-mankind-s-nearest-course-to-perfection/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```