Plato’s Unlikely Gift: How Regret Became My Greatest Teacher

"Regret is educational."

At least, that's how I've come to interpret Plato.

Most people consider regret a painful reminder of failure or missed opportunities, a lingering bruise that flares up whenever we recall our mistakes. For years, I carried my regrets like hidden scars, reminders of paths not taken and words left unsaid. But over time, I've learned to see regret differently. Not as weakness or loss, but as a powerful teacher.

A few thousand years ago, Plato saw regret in much the same way. In The Republic, he describes regret as a signal from the soul, a warning that our lives have veered away from virtue.

In Book I, a character named Cephalus reflects on how nearing death triggers a profound awareness of past injustices: 

“Once someone begins to think he is about to die, fears and concerns occur to him about issues that had not occurred to him previously... [He] considers whether he has done any injustice to anyone.” (Republic, Book I, 330d)

Plato implies that the discomfort we feel—this regret—is meant to awaken us. It compels us to confront moral failures and realign our lives towards the "Good". Regret, in this sense, isn't punishment; it's an opportunity for growth and transformation.

Centuries later, modern psychologist Daniel Pink echoes this ancient wisdom in his popular book, The Power of Regret. Pink argues that regret is among the most instructive emotions we experience. He writes:

“Regret doesn't remind us that we did badly. It reminds us that we can do better.”

Pink's insight aligns beautifully with Plato's: regret is fundamentally educational.

How Regret Transformed My Life

Like most people, I've had my share of regrets. The deepest one was not pursuing my passion for storytelling sooner. I'd convinced myself I was too busy, too tired, and too inexperienced. Regret became an old companion whispering, "What if you had started earlier?"

But instead of drowning in guilt or self-blame, I finally asked myself:

 “What's really stopping me from writing now?”

And so I began. I launched this blog, and soon after, started planning my YouTube channel. Not because regret tormented me, but because it taught me. It nudged me, gently and persistently: “Start now. It’s not too late.”

Don’t Romanticize Regret: Act on It

It's easy to romanticize pain or regret, to accept it as an inevitable price we pay. I've seen people trapped in jobs they hate, accepting daily misery as necessary, convincing themselves they're stuck because of financial obligations or family commitments.

But regret doesn't need to trap you. It's not a sentence; it's a message.

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This mattered to you. You still care. Now, do something about it.

You don't have to take drastic measures immediately. You don't have to quit your job or upend your life overnight. But you also don't have to resign yourself to misery. You can take small, purposeful steps:

• Take an online course in something you're passionate about.
• Write, practice, learn at night or on weekends.
• Volunteer in a field you care deeply about.
• Speak openly with people, say the words you wish you'd said.
• Learn the skill you’ve always wanted.
  

You can't change your past, but you can shape your future.

A Final Thought: Regret as a Guiding Light

Plato believed the soul's journey didn't end with mistakes, it was perfected by confronting and learning from them.

While the afterlife is a mystery, what’s certain is that in this life, each day is another chance to realign our paths.

Today, I no longer feed regrets with guilt or self-pity. I use them as guiding lights, illuminating a path through the storm toward calmer waters and better shores. If you’re wrestling with regrets right now, ask yourself:

• What is this feeling trying to teach me?
• What small step can I take today to act on this lesson?
• How can I use this regret to improve my tomorrow?

Then act. Even a tiny step forward can transform a painful "what if" into a joyful reality.

As long as you're breathing, it's never too late to learn, grow, and change.

Stay nerdy. Stay bold. Stay kind. And keep growing. 

Important Note: The information provided in this article is for general informational and personal reflection purposes only and does not constitute medical, psychological, or professional advice. I am not a licensed mental health or medical professional. If you are experiencing overwhelming regret, persistent mental fatigue, emotional distress, or symptoms of mental illness, please seek help from a qualified healthcare provider or licensed mental health professional. Do not ignore or delay seeking professional advice because of something you have read here. Support is available, and you don’t have to go through it alone.