A great nation is like a great man:
When he makes a mistake, he realizes it.
Having realized it, he admits it.
Having admitted it, he corrects it.
He considers those who point out his faults
as his most benevolent teachers.
He thinks of his enemy
as the shadow that he himself casts.

Excerpt from Chapter 61 of Tao Te Ching by Lao-tzu, as translated by Stephen Mitchell, HarperPerennial, New York, USA, 1988.

Lao-tzu, a legendary ancient Chinese philosopher, is believed to have lived during the sixth century BCE. He is considered to be the founder of Taoism.