Pardon all men, but never thyself.

Understand the thought

Meaning in plain English

Be generous toward others while taking your own conduct seriously. The absolute refusal of self-pardon needs to be tempered with responsibility and self-compassion.

What the words are saying

The saying sets outward forgiveness against an inwardly severe standard. It can challenge the habit of excusing oneself while judging everyone else. Yet never forgiving oneself can prevent learning and repair. A careful reading asks for honest acknowledgment, proportionate correction and a fairer view of others, rather than endless guilt. Forgiveness also does not require someone to ignore harm or restore unsafe contact.

Everyday example

Someone apologises for a missed commitment and changes their practice, while responding reasonably when another person makes a similar mistake.

When to use it

Use it to challenge a double standard in how mistakes are judged.

Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.