To err is human; to forgive, divine

This famous proverb is attributed to Alexander Pope and is a direct quotation from his Essay on Criticism written in 1709. Pope did not coin the words ‘to err is human’, which in its original Latin form errare humanum est is a saying that has existed for centuries and is often attributed to Plutarch (46-120 AD) but may have been coined before this. By adding the phrase ‘to forgive, divine’ Pope deserves all due credit for making it one of the most famous ethical sayings of all time. Furthermore, it did not come from the New Testament although the sentiment it expresses carries a strong Christian message.