Herzog cites the story of an endocrinology professor at a medical school in the University of California system who paused in mid-lecture to issue a frightened and groveling apology. “I don’t want you to think that I am in any way trying to imply anything,” the professor said, “and if you can summon some generosity to forgive me, I would really appreciate it. Again, I’m very sorry for that. It was certainly not my intention to offend anyone. The worst thing that I can do as a human being is be offensive.”

What did the professor do that was so “offensive”? The professor explained: “I said ‘when a woman is pregnant, which implies that only women can get pregnant and I most sincerely apologize to all of you.”