In the year 1931, Mahatma Gandhi, a great man primarily known for leading India into the light of independence from Britain, was asked: “But no country has ever shown such forgiveness as India is showing to Britain?” and his reply was: “…What is true of individuals is true of nations. One cannot forgive too much. The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.”
Nearly 60 years later, Nelson Mandela, another great man known for leading South Africa into the light of civilization, education and unity with his strongly anti-apartheid beliefs, spoke these words upon being released from prison: “As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn't leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I'd still be in prison.”
Citing one leader to describe another, I’d like to assert on the fact that forgiveness is not a quality of the weak of heart and it is not a path that is easy to choose. It is a quality of the perseverant, the lion hearted, the bold and the brave. It is not something that belittles an individual; in fact, it is something that elevates them above others.
This writing, however, is not simply about forgiveness. It is not about Mahatma Gandhi either, because this writing doesn’t sing praises about a certain revolution, as writings based on legendary leaders so often do. Rather, it sings praises of a certain kind of evolution. The evolution of the mind, the evolution of thought, the evolution of beliefs and the evolution of a country. Led by one man. Nelson Mandela."
Nearly 60 years later, Nelson Mandela, another great man known for leading South Africa into the light of civilization, education and unity with his strongly anti-apartheid beliefs, spoke these words upon being released from prison: “As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn't leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I'd still be in prison.”
Citing one leader to describe another, I’d like to assert on the fact that forgiveness is not a quality of the weak of heart and it is not a path that is easy to choose. It is a quality of the perseverant, the lion hearted, the bold and the brave. It is not something that belittles an individual; in fact, it is something that elevates them above others.
This writing, however, is not simply about forgiveness. It is not about Mahatma Gandhi either, because this writing doesn’t sing praises about a certain revolution, as writings based on legendary leaders so often do. Rather, it sings praises of a certain kind of evolution. The evolution of the mind, the evolution of thought, the evolution of beliefs and the evolution of a country. Led by one man. Nelson Mandela."
Samiya Rahmat - From her response to the fourth task. Read the full article here.