“Ignorance from negligence is culpable; one could have taken care to know.”
— Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, Book III, Chapter 5
(Translated by W.D. Ross)
Big Idea
Life’s like forgetting to turn off the faucet:
- 🚰 Your Fault = Left water running while watching TV → Flooded kitchen → Pay for damages.
- 🌧️ Not Your Fault = Pipe suddenly burst while you were out → Insurance covers it.
Real-Life Scenarios
🔥 Work Deadline Disaster
→ Negligent: Ignored 3 email reminders → Missed deadline → Boss docks pay.
→ Accident: Computer crashed 1 hour before deadline → IT report saves you.
🤝 Friendship Fail
→ Negligent: Forgot BFF’s birthday (it’s in your phone!) → Friendship strained.
→ Accident: COVID quarantine ruined party plans → Friend understands.
📱 Social Media Oops
→ Negligent: Shared fake news without reading past headline → Lose followers.
→ Accident: Autocorrect changed “congrats” to something rude → Quick edit fixes it.
Your Action Plan
- The “5-Minute Check” Rule
For important things:- Set phone alarm 🕔 → Spend 5 mins verifying facts/dates/rules.
- Red Flag Tracker
Make a list of things you often “forget”:- ❌ “I always miss trash day” → Put bin by door.
- ❌ “I forget names” → Write them in contacts.
- Accountability Buddy
Swap this text with a friend weekly:
“Did you ____?
☑️ Checked properly
⭕ Forgot to check”