“Acts done through ignorance are involuntary if followed by regret.”
— Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, Book III, Chapter 1
(Translated by W.D. Ross)
The Big Idea
Mistakes you didn’t mean to make aren’t fully your fault – if you fix them. Think of it like a video game:
- Accidentally stepping on a trap 🕳️ → “Oops, didn’t see that!” → Restart level = no guilt.
- Refusing to fix the mistake → That’s on YOU.
Real-Life Scenarios
🔥 Test-Time Oops
Involuntary = You didn’t know calculators were banned → Apologize = ✅
Voluntary = You pretend not to know → Keep cheating = ⚠️
🤝 Homework Accident
Involuntary = You accidentally copied answers → Admit it → Teacher forgives.
Voluntary = You claim ignorance after getting caught → Detention time.
📱 Social Media Slip
Involuntary = Sharing fake news without knowing → Delete + say sorry = Clean slate.
Voluntary = Leaving up lies after learning the truth → Canceled.
Try This Week
- Regret Radar Journal
Track 3 “oops” moments:- Example: “Broke Mom’s vase by accident → Cleaned up + apologized = 🌟”
- The Fix-It Formula
After a mistake, ask:
“Did I know better? ❌ → Fix it fast.
Did I ignore the rules? ✅ → Own it.” - Buddy Check
Tell a friend 1 thing you did unknowingly this week – see if they’d call it “ignorance” or “choice.”