The Master said, “To have faults and not correct them – that is truly a fault.”
Note
Though simple in wording, this saying from the Analects of Confucius reveals his profound ethical view on mistakes and correction.
Confucius does not regard making mistakes as unforgivable – after all, “no one is born a sage.” What matters is whether one faces, acknowledges, and rectifies the error.
“To have faults and not correct them – that is truly a fault” stresses that the real wrongdoing lies not in the initial slip, but in stubbornly refusing to amend it. Once someone knowingly persists in error, a minor lapse becomes a serious moral failing, revealing a lack of self-reflection, shame, and willingness to improve.
This idea is deeply tied to the Confucian tradition of self-cultivation. The Analects repeatedly calls for “inner self-examination” (e.g., “When you see an unworthy person, examine yourself inwardly”), treating correction of faults as central to personal growth. To correct oneself is not weakness, but courage and virtue.
Confucius also distinguishes between “fault”and “wickedness”: the former refers to unintentional errors; knowingly uncorrected ones become the latter. The former is forgivable; the latter deserves censure. This distinction fosters a moral climate that is both compassionate and principled.
Today, whether in personal development, organizational management, or public discourse, people often hide mistakes out of fear of losing face or accountability. Confucius reminds us: Mistakes themselves are not terrible; what is dangerous is refusing to learn from them. True character is revealed in how one responds to one’s own faults.
In short, Confucius teaches: No one is without fault; what matters is the willingness to correct it. Only uncorrected faults are truly blameworthy.
Further Reading
The Master said, “When you see a worthy person, aspire to be like him; when you see an unworthy one, examine yourself inwardly.” Analects 4.17 (Li Ren)
Both emphasize self-reflection as the path to recognizing and correcting faults.
Zixia said, “The petty person always covers up his faults.” Analects 19.8 (Zi Zhang)
Directly contrasts with chapter 15.30 – the petty person hides errors; the noble person corrects them.
子曰：「過而不改，是謂過矣。」
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