To forgive is not to forget. The merit lies in loving in spite of the vivid knowledge that one that must be loved is not a friend. There is not merit in loving an enemy when you forget him for a friend.
Mahatma GandhiRead
Human language can but imperfectly describe God's ways. I am sensible of the fact that they are indescribable and inscrutable. But if mortal man will dare to describe them, he has no better medium than his own inarticulate speech.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Human language struggles to articulate the divine and mystical experiences.
This quote underscores the limitations of human language in conveying the complexities of divine actions and the deeper truths of existence. Despite recognizing that these aspects are beyond full understanding, the speaker acknowledges the inherent challenge and necessity for humans to attempt articulate expressions of what may be fundamentally indescribable.
Themes
LanguageDivineUnderstandingExpressionCommunication
In practice
Example use cases
During a theological seminar, one might reference this quote to highlight the inadequacy of words in explaining spiritual experiences.
More from Mahatma Gandhi
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The devotion of such titans of spirit as Lenin to an Ideal must bear fruit. The nobility of his selflessness will be an example through centuries to come, and his Ideal will reach perfection.
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