People make mistakes all the time. We learn and grow. If there's

Hear the wise words of Pete Carroll, a leader of men on the fields of sport, who declared: “People make mistakes all the time. We learn and grow. If there's patience and love, and you care for people, you can work them through it, and they can find their greatest heights.” These words, though spoken in the context of games and athletes, carry the weight of eternal truth. For Carroll reminds us that the measure of greatness is not found in perfection, but in the ability to rise after failure—nurtured by the steady hands of patience, the warm light of love, and the guiding care of those who do not abandon us in our darkest hours.

The origin of this saying lies in Carroll’s career as a coach, where he often worked with young players—flawed, impulsive, and learning still the discipline of their craft. He saw firsthand that errors are inevitable: a missed play, a poor decision, a costly mistake in the heat of battle. But rather than cast blame or banish the offender, Carroll preached compassion. With patience, he believed, even the rawest talent could mature; with love, even the most broken spirit could heal; with care, even the weakest could be lifted toward strength. It was not only about winning games, but about forming men of resilience.

History confirms this wisdom. Consider the story of Abraham Lincoln, who suffered repeated defeats before ascending to greatness. He lost elections, failed in business, and was struck by despair. Yet those around him, who did not scorn his failures but encouraged him, nurtured the growth of one of history’s greatest leaders. Lincoln’s errors did not define him; the patience and love of those who supported him gave him space to rise. From such soil of failure bloomed the strength to guide a nation through civil war.

Or recall the tale of Thomas Edison, who in his pursuit of the lightbulb endured thousands of failed experiments. By his own account, each “failure” was simply a step closer to success. Had he been condemned for his errors, mocked without support, perhaps he would have abandoned his quest. Yet with encouragement, with care, he pressed on—and his invention transformed the world. This mirrors Carroll’s insight: that when we allow others room to stumble, we also allow them room to achieve their greatest heights.

The heart of Carroll’s teaching is a philosophy of growth. Mistakes are not to be feared or hidden, but embraced as necessary teachers. The true test of leadership is not to demand flawlessness, but to create an environment where errors can become stepping stones rather than stumbling blocks. It is a call to patience, for growth is slow. It is a call to love, for only compassion makes growth possible. It is a call to care, for without guidance, no one finds their way alone.

The lesson for us is clear: in our homes, our workplaces, our schools, and our communities, we must resist the temptation to condemn harshly when mistakes are made. Instead, we must guide, support, and uplift. When a friend falters, offer patience. When a colleague errs, show care. When a child stumbles, respond with love. In doing so, we do not only help them recover—we unlock the possibility for them to soar higher than they could have imagined.

So I say to you, children of tomorrow: remember Pete Carroll’s wisdom. Do not fear mistakes, for they are the dust from which greatness grows. Be patient with others, for patience is the soil of transformation. Be loving, for love is the light that leads men out of darkness. Be caring, for care is the hand that steadies the climb. And if you do these things, you will not only lift others—you will build a world where failure is no end, but the beginning of triumph. For truly, with patience and love, we may guide one another to our greatest heights.