🤝 Forgive and Forget: The Art of Letting Go 💬
Definition
Forgive and forget - To pardon and dismiss someone’s mistake, rudeness, or other transgression. This expression has been an English proverb since at least the thirteenth century.
Historical Notes
William Langland in Piers Ploughman touted it as a form of Christian charity to be practiced by all: “So will Cryst of his curteisye, and men crye hym mercy, bothe forgive and forgeter.” It also appears in John Heywood’s 1546 collection of proverbs and was utilized by Shakespeare in at least four of his plays, including King Lear (4.7): “Pray you now, forget and forgive; I am old and foolish.” The concept remains as vital today as when it was first penned.
Synonyms
- Let bygones be bygones
- Turn the other cheek
- Bury the hatchet
- Make amends
Antonyms
- Hold a grudge
- Bear a grudge
- Harp on
- Stay mad
Humor-Filled Quotes
“Forgiving doesn’t make the other person right, just makes us free.” – Unknown (probably someone super chill after yoga)
Related Proverbs
- “To err is human, to forgive is divine.” - Alexander Pope
- “Let him who is without sin cast the first stone.” - The Bible
Suggested Literature, Songs, and Movies
- Literature: Les Misérables by Victor Hugo
- Books: The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
- Songs: “Sorry” by Justin Bieber, “Someone Like You” by Adele
- Movies: The Pursuit of Happyness (2006), Peaceful Warrior (2006)
Inspirational Thought
Eli Compassion-Crafter: “Forgiveness is unlocking the door to set someone free, and realizing you were only freeing yourself.”
