True courage is not about overpowering others, but about having the humility to admit mistakes.
Once, the proud general Lian Po resented the scholar Lin Xiangru for rising above him. He openly insulted him. Yet Lin avoided conflict—not out of fear, but for the sake of their kingdom. He knew that if they fought each other, the enemy would strike.
Moved by Lin’s selflessness, Lian Po reflected deeply. He then stripped off his armor, carried thorny twigs on his back, and knelt before Lin to ask for forgiveness.
This story, known as “Carrying Thorns to Apologize,” teaches us that admitting fault is not weakness—it is strength. True greatness lies not in never falling, but in rising with honesty and humility.
In life, we all let pride get the better of us. But the bravest act is often the simplest: to say, “I was wrong.”