Item 21 in Truth By Reason Master Ethical Code

Admit Mistakes and Repair Harm

Acknowledge wrongdoing, stop the harm, tell the truth, restore what was taken and change the conditions that enabled it.

Position
21
Form
Mixed formulation
Obligation
Context-dependent
Wording status
Translation
Intended audience
Everyone
Last reviewed
28 June 2026

Names and terminology

Canonical name: Admit Mistakes and Repair Harm

Source wording

<p>Acknowledge wrongdoing, stop the harm, tell the truth, restore what was taken and change the conditions that enabled it.</p>

Translation

Literal meaning

Acknowledge wrongdoing, stop the harm, tell the truth, restore what was taken and change the conditions that enabled it.

Broader interpretation

Forgiveness may be offered but cannot be demanded, and it does not erase accountability.

Practical meaning

Acknowledge wrongdoing, stop the harm, tell the truth, restore what was taken and change the conditions that enabled it.

Ethical purpose

Forgiveness may be offered but cannot be demanded, and it does not erase accountability.

Modern application

Apply this principle to personal conduct, organisations and public policy, with particular attention to people and beings who carry the greatest risks while holding the least power.

Criticism and difficult cases

This principle may conflict with other duties. It should therefore be applied with evidence, proportionality, role reversal, attention to power and review of foreseeable consequences.

Truth By Reason analysis

Forgiveness may be offered but cannot be demanded, and it does not erase accountability.

Sources