To err is human, to forgive divine
Every man commits mistakes. It would be hard to find a man, however great or wise, who never made a mistake in his life. Our philosophy and science have not so far unravelled the mystery of the universe, the riddle of life. Our systems, customs and kingships all have some defects. We have yet to evolve political, social and economic systems, religious institutions, ethical and moral standards which are faultless. They are faulty because men are imperfect. Our errors are the outcome of our ignorance, pride, prejudice, fear, greed and other deadly sins which our flesh is heir to. Even our reason is not a very sure guide and it is often swayed and misguided by our impulses and passions. We are often blinded by selfishness, pride and ambition. Our noblest intentions are vitiated by evil passions. They distract us and we blunder. But in spite of this knowledge of man’s weakness and his propensity to err, we are very harsh on him when he makes a mistake. We criticise, condemn and punish him instead of being indulgent or charitable to human follies and foibles. We are censorious and cruel. Curiously enough, we condemn others for the very faults which we ourselves are liable to. If we analyse our own errors, we would be humble, we would be more kind to others. Great teachers of humanity have taught the lesson of forgiveness. They have exalted mercy and condemned revengefulness. Christ forgave those who crucified him. Mahatma Gandhi forgave his assassin. Mercy is twice blest. It blesses but the receiver and the giver. It is a divine virtue just as folly is human weakness.
