The man who forgets does not forgive, he only loses the remembrance of the harm inflicted on him; forgiveness is the offspring of a feeling of heroism, of a noble heart, of a generous mind, whilst forgetfulness is only the result of a weak memory, or of an easy carelessness, and still oftener of a natural desire for calm and quietness. Hatred, in the course of time, kills the unhappy wretch who delights in nursing it in his bosom.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Forgiveness is an active, noble choice, while forgetfulness is passive and often stems from weakness or desire for peace.
- In plain terms
- Forgiveness takes strength; forgetting just means memory fades.
- What can you take from it?
- Choose forgiveness consciously rather than relying on forgetting.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is forgiveness better than forgetting?
- What hurts more: hate or forgetfulness?
Another view
Sometimes forgetting is necessary for mental health.
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