On Apologies

There is only one person you can apologize for: You.

Only You can apologize for your actions or lack there of. You have neither the right nor responsibility to apologize for others. Though nothing happens in a void, each man's actions are his own.

It is popular in the current social and political climate to play passive-aggressive linguistic games with apologies, turning them into snide asides and insults. Worse, it is quite en vogue to use such false apologies to blame a wronged party for being slighted. Such insincerity is neither clever nor charming, but rather, shows a distinct lack of character. Taken to its ends, in the right setting it demonstrates a distinct lack of survival instincts.

If your employer hires you to be a Frontman or foreman, and apologizing for others' failures is part of your job, you are not apologizing. You are politicking.

If you offer an apology on behalf of a group that you are neither spokesman for nor identify with, you are not apologizing. You are grandstanding.

If you apologize for the actions of your children or someone you have introduced, you are likely as embarrassed and agog as the third party offended. Your failure to prevent the misstep is certainly worthy of an apology, but this too is politik. You too should expect an apology from the offending party you have chaperoned.

If you profit from another's ill doings, again, your apology is for your actions, or lack thereof. Anything else is not an apology.

Be your own master, Damnit! If you cannot apologize sincerely, keep yourself on a shorter leash.

Masterworks

Craftsmanship like this brings a tear to my eye and fills me with hope. I am pleased there is such beauty in the world.



This is what skill and dedication to one's craft looks like. I salute the Gentleman and his precision handiwork.