I take advantage of this privilege every day. When the lamp is put away and my wife stops talking (she knows my routine), I review my entire day. I go over everything I said and did. I hide nothing from myself and leave nothing out. Why should I fear my mistakes when I can say, "I forgive you this time — just don't do it again"? In that argument, you were too aggressive. Don't debate with ignorant people in the future. Those who have never learned don't want to learn. You criticized that person too harshly, so you offended him instead of helping him improve. Next time, consider not just whether what you're saying is true, but whether the person can handle hearing the truth. A good person welcomes advice. The worst people can't stand being guided.
I make use of this privilege, and daily plead my cause before myself: when the lamp is taken out of my sight, and my wife, who knows my habit, has ceased to talk, I pass the whole day in review before myself, and repeat all that I have said and done: I conceal nothing from myself, and omit nothing: for why should I be afraid of any of my shortcomings, when it is in my power to say, “I pardon you this time: see that you never do that any more? In that dispute you spoke too contentiously: do not for the future argue with ignorant people: those who have never been taught are unwilling to learn. You reprimanded that man with more freedom than you ought, and consequently you have offended him instead of amending his ways: in dealing with other cases of the kind, you should look carefully, not only to the truth of what you say, but also whether the person to whom you speak can bear to be told the truth.” A good man delights in receiving advice: all the worst men are the most impatient of guidance.