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
The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong. For the least sin, it wouldn't take us longTo get so we had no one left to live with.For to be social is to be forgiving.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Forgiveness is a strength, not a weakness, and is essential for social harmony.
In this quote, Mahatma Gandhi emphasizes that true strength lies in the ability to forgive others. He suggests that those who cannot forgive are weak, as forgiveness requires courage and the willingness to let go of grievances for the sake of social relationships. Ultimately, he asserts that being social inherently involves forgiving others, and without forgiveness, we deprive ourselves of meaningful connections.
Themes
ForgivenessStrengthSocialCourageRelationships
In practice
Example use cases
During a discussion on conflict resolution, this quote can highlight the importance of forgiveness.
More from Mahatma Gandhi
All quotes →Love never claims, it ever gives. Love ever suffers, never resents never revenges itself.
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The real test of nonviolence lies in its being brought in contact with those who have contempt for it.
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Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.
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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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