What does Genesis 8:21 mean?

God was pleased with the smell of the offering and said to himself, 'I won't curse the ground because of people again, even though their hearts tend toward evil from childhood. I won't destroy every living thing like I just did.' Genesis 8:21 - Modern Text Bible

(God responds to Noah's gratitude with mercy. He promises not to wipe out life again, even though people are still flawed. This is a turning point in how God relates to humanity.)