Yes people make mistakes, but there's a version of that sentiment spreading wide today that uses the indulgence we naturally feel toward mistakes to give themselves permission in advance. I have had students, as extreme examples, who have committed all manner of horrible crimes and think it is awfully weird, or at least nonsensical, that anyone should think they should be held responsible for those and any future "mistakes". What Roger is suggesting is the implied contract that we all make in order to be a part of a civilized group. Mistakes will certainly be indulged, but self-control is to be an understood prerequisite before such indulgence can be meaningful. I'm in, for what it's worth, but I always have been.

Chet