Forgiveness
A necessary mechanism for progress in a world without rewind or reset buttons.
In lieu of these modest displays, we often seek to punish others for their transgressions. This is despite the fact that if punishment becomes a preferred modality over forgiveness, then we should expect to see ours as retaliation. It is incredible how quickly suffering is wielded as recompense, and how blurry the line is between victim and perpetrator. We often find the intoxicating aroma of vengeance more attractive than the temperance of sheathing our sword.
Pathological displays of humility have become commonplace, where the pathetic beg for forgiveness for transgressions they have not committed, hoping that it will spare them from future aggression. This is an indication of how vindictive we have become - innocent people feel as though they may be viewed as guilty for the crime of existing. Worse, we seem preoccupied with inventing crimes to induce guilt, whether it be due to our lineage or according to some insane ideological position. It seems that some of us have a guilty conscience, and we would like others to feel as guilty as we do.
Our desire to forgive is intertwined with our desire to punish, and both are informed by our desire for absolution. If we desire absolution, then we may experience this best by forgiving someone for their transgressions. This would make us feel righteous. Alternatively, we may justify punishing them if we feel it shall absolve us of our own sins according to our faith or ideology. This makes us feel righteous in another way.
The desire for absolution manifests similarly when we are the subject. If we seek forgiveness, it is because we would like to be absolved of the burden of guilt we experience due to our transgressions against another. If we are seeking punishment instead of forgiveness, the preferred outcome is still the same: to dissolve the burden.
As a matter of circumstance, we are far more likely the perpetrator than the victim, and it was considered wise to forgive and forget precisely because engaging in a game of never-ending punishment is both destructive and tiring.
When punishment has become synonymous with progress, and our forgiveness is systematically awarded following induced guilt, we have either lost the plot, or we are determined to replicate the sins of our past.
Voluntary and reciprocal forgiveness is a much better strategy. Let us absolve one another through compassion and understanding.
It is discouraging that some of us still believe in reset buttons.
Posted: 26 Mar 2023
