A man must be big enough to admit his mistakes, smart enough to profit from them, and strong enough to correct them.

The quote defines maturity as a three-part progression: humility, wisdom, and courage. “Big enough” reframes admission of error as strength rather than embarrassment; it implies an ego large enough to withstand being wrong. “Smart enough to profit” treats mistakes as data—an opportunity to refine judgment and skill. “Strong enough to correct” insists that insight is incomplete without action: repairing harm, changing habits, and preventing recurrence. In leadership terms, the saying argues that trust is built through accountability and follow-through. It also suggests that character is measured less by avoiding mistakes than by the quality of one’s response after making them.