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The Difference between an Apology and a Confession

In the wake of numerous public confessions by fallen politicians, sports figures, and business executives, in her book The Art of the Public Grovel, Susan Wise Bauer offers a helpful distinction: "An apology is an expression of regret: I am sorry. A confession is an admission of fault: I am sorry because I did wrong. I sinned."

Apology addresses an audience. Confession implies an inner change … that will be manifested in outward action.

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