Neither let mistakes and wrong directions — of which every man, in his studies and elsewhere, falls into many — discourage you. There is precious instruction to be got by finding that we are wrong. Let a man try faithfully, manfully, to be right, he will grow daily more and more right.
Thomas Carlyle (1795–1881) Scottish essayist and historian
Letter (1843-03-13), “Letter to a Young Man”
(Source)
The letter was in response to an unidentified correspondent seeking advice on books to help him improve himself. It was eventually published / anthologized as an essay.
Quotations about:
continuous improvement
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Self-criticism is the secret weapon of democracy.
Adlai Stevenson II (1900–1965) American politician, diplomat, statesman
Speech (1952-07-21), Welcoming Address, Democratic National Convention, International Amphitheatre, Chicago
(Source)
Stevenson, who was not a declared candidate, gave the convention welcoming address as Governor of Illinois. He was later nominated for President.
