Anger is a killing thing: it kills the man who angers, for each rage leaves him less than he had been before—it takes something from him.
—Louis L’Amour (1908–88) American Novelist, Short-story Writer
To be able to bear provocation is an argument of great reason, and to forgive it of a great mind.
—John Tillotson
We read that we ought to forgive our enemies; but we do not read that we ought to forgive our friends.
—Cosimo de’ Medici (1389–1464) Florentine Statesman, Banker
How unhappy is he who cannot forgive himself.
—Publilius Syrus (fl.85–43 BCE) Syrian-born Roman Latin Writer
Women and fools never forgive.
—Chinese Proverb
Never repeat old grievances.
—Common Proverb
Forgive your enemies, but never forget their names.
—Unknown
It was at a church service in Munich that I saw him, a former S.S. man who had stood guard at the shower room door in the processing center at Ravensbruck. He was the first of our actual jailers that I had seen since that time. And suddenly it was all there
—Corrie Ten Boom (1892–1983) Dutch Jewish Humanist
Forget and forgive. This is not difficult when properly understood. It means forget inconvenient duties, then forgive yourself for forgetting. By rigid practice and stern determination, it comes easy.
—Mark Twain (1835–1910) American Humorist
Advertising is the most fun you can have with your clothes on.
—Jerry Della Femina (b.1936) American Advertising Executive
The best part of repentance is a little sinning.
—Arabic Proverb
Forgiveness is a funny thing. It warms the heart and cools the sting.
—William Arthur Ward (1921–94) American Author
In my youth I stressed freedom, and in my old age I stress order. I have made the great discovery that liberty is a product of order.
—William C. Durant (1861–1947) American Industrialist
It is easier to forgive an enemy than a friend.
—Dorothee Luzy Dotinville (1747–1830) French Dancer, Actress
Forgive! How many will say, “forgive,” and find a sort of absolution in the sound to hate a little longer!
—Alfred, Lord Tennyson (1809–92) British Poet
Without forgiveness, there’s no future.
—Desmond Tutu (b.1931) South African Clergyman
If the people around you are spiteful and callous and will not hear you, fall down before them and beg their forgiveness; for in truth you are to blame for their not wanting to hear you.
—Fyodor Dostoyevsky (1821–81) Russian Novelist, Essayist, Writer
For my part I believe in the forgiveness of sin and the redemption of ignorance.
—Adlai Stevenson (1900–65) American Diplomat, Politician, Orator
He that hath promised pardon on our repentance hat not promised life till we repent.
—Francis Quarles (1592–1644) English Religious Poet
Forgiveness is better than bitterness because not only does it taste sweeter, but it doesn’t make you sick to your stomach!
—Guy Finley
The cut worm forgives the plow.
—William Blake (1757–1827) English Poet, Painter, Printmaker
Only the brave know how to forgive… A coward never forgave; it is not in his nature.
—Laurence Sterne (1713–68) Irish Anglican Novelist, Clergyman
If we really want to love, we must learn how to forgive.
—Mother Teresa (1910–97) Roman Catholic Missionary, Nun
Forgive and forget.
—Common Proverb
Never does the human soul appear so strong as when it forgoes revenge, and dares forgive an injury.
—Edwin Hubbell Chapin (1814–80) American Preacher, Poet
When you forgive somebody else you accept the responsibility for your own future.
—Zig Ziglar (1926–2012) American Author
A man who takes away another man’s freedom is a prisoner of hatred, he is locked behind the bars of prejudice and narrow-mindedness. I am not truly free if I am taking away someone else’s freedom, just as surely as I am not free when my freedom is taken from me. The oppressed and the oppressor alike are robbed of their humanity.
—Nelson Mandela (1918–2013) South African Political leader
You will know that forgiveness has begun when you recall those who hurt you and feel the power to wish them well.
—Lewis B. Smedes (1921–2002) American Christian Author, Ethicist, Theologian, Academic
Most people repent their sins by thanking God they ain’t so wicked as their neighbors.
—Josh Billings (Henry Wheeler Shaw) (1818–85) American Humorist, Author, Lecturer
Forgiveness is love in its most noble form.
—Anonymous