Confession of our faults is the next thing to innocence
A conversation with ChatGPT about three quotes from Publilius Syrus
Jannik: What are your thoughts on the quote below? I think that it amazing that it was written almost a 100 years before Christianity.
"Confession of our faults is the next thing to innocence".
- Publilius Syrus, Sayings, 1060
ChatGPT 3.5: I think this quote by Publilius Syrus is a powerful statement about the importance of acknowledging and taking responsibility for our mistakes. By admitting our faults, we are not only demonstrating honesty and integrity, but also taking steps toward making amends and learning from our errors.
The notion that confession is "the next thing to innocence" suggests that through the act of confession, we can move closer to a state of purity or moral uprightness. While it may not erase our transgressions, it can help us to move beyond them and strive toward a better future.
It's also interesting to note that this quote predates Christianity by almost a century, yet it shares similarities with Christian beliefs about confession and forgiveness. This shows that the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions is a universal human value that transcends cultural and religious boundaries.
Jannik: The quote seems related to this other quote by Publilius:
"You would not sin so often if you knew some things of which you are ignorant."
- Publilius Syrus, Sayings, 851
ChatGPT: Yes, that's a great observation! Both of these quotes by Publilius Syrus share a common theme of self-awareness and self-improvement.
The second quote suggests that people might commit fewer sins if they were more knowledgeable and aware of certain things. This could be interpreted as a call for greater education and personal growth, as well as a reminder to consider the consequences of our actions before we act.
The first quote, "Confession of our faults is the next thing to innocence," builds on this idea of self-awareness by acknowledging that even when we strive to do our best, we will inevitably make mistakes and fall short of our own standards. However, by confessing our faults and taking responsibility for our actions, we can move toward a state of moral purity and continue to improve ourselves.
Together, these quotes suggest that self-awareness, personal growth, and taking responsibility for our actions are all essential components of living a moral and virtuous life.
Jannik: Good observations :-) However, you write:
"if they were more knowledgeable and aware of certain things"
I think that is a bit vague. In my opinion, there can be no doubt that the knowledge Publilius Syrus is urging us to require is knowledge about what's good and bad. In other words: wisdom in the sense the word is used by Socrates and the Stoics.
ChatGPT: Thank you for the clarification, you make a good point. I agree that the knowledge Publilius Syrus is urging us to acquire is likely related to understanding what is good and bad, which is often referred to as wisdom in philosophical traditions such as Stoicism.
By gaining a better understanding of what is truly good and bad, we can make more informed decisions and act in ways that align with our values and principles. This can help us avoid making mistakes and committing sins, as suggested in the second quote.
Furthermore, by recognizing our faults and striving for self-improvement, we can continue to develop our wisdom and moral character. This can lead to a virtuous cycle of learning, growth, and self-reflection that can ultimately bring us closer to the state of moral purity described in the first quote.
Jannik: Yes, I agree - except that it is implied in that quote that we will never reach that state of moral purity (innocence). As human beings we only have the next best thing: acknowledgment of our faults.
ChatGPT: Yes, you are correct. The quote does imply that reaching a state of moral purity or innocence may not be entirely possible for human beings. It suggests that confession of our faults is the next best thing we can do to approach that ideal state.
In this sense, the quote reflects a realistic and humble understanding of human nature and the limitations we face in striving for perfection. By acknowledging our faults and limitations, we can demonstrate humility and a willingness to learn and grow, which are essential qualities for personal and moral development.
Jannik: It seems to me that there is often this sort of underlying irony in the preserved quotes from Publilius Syrus quotes. For example in the following quote (which is closely related to the previous quotes we have discussed):
"As long as man is ignorant, so long he should be a learner."
Publilius Syrus seems to be smiling at us and saying that, of course, human beings are always ignorant and, thus, should always be learners.
- Publilius Syrus, 932
ChatGPT: Yes, that's a great observation. There does seem to be a wry, ironic tone to many of Publilius Syrus's quotes, which often suggest a deeper truth about human nature or the world we live in.
In the quote you mentioned, Publilius Syrus acknowledges that ignorance is a persistent feature of the human condition, but suggests that this need not be a negative thing. Instead, he suggests that we should embrace our ignorance and use it as a motivation to continue learning and growing.
The irony in this quote lies in the fact that Publilius Syrus is reminding us that no matter how much we learn or how wise we become, there will always be more to discover and new perspectives to consider. In this way, he is encouraging us to approach life with a sense of humility and openness, recognizing that there is always more to learn and discover.