This quote is a sage piece of advice about the power of forgiveness. It encourages us to not only forgive, but also forget the wrongs done to us. The phrase ‘properly understood’ suggests that the true essence of forgiveness is often misunderstood or overlooked.
The first part, “forget,” is about releasing the past. It’s about letting go of the memories that cause pain, anger, or resentment. It’s not about denying what happened or pretending it didn’t hurt. Rather, it’s about choosing not to let those past events control your present and future.
The second part, “forgive,” is about absolving the wrongdoer. It’s not about condoning their actions or negating the harm they caused. It’s about releasing the bitterness and hatred that can poison one’s heart. It’s a decision to make peace with what happened, and with the person who caused it.
When Twain says “this is not difficult when properly understood,” he implies that the process of forgetting and forgiving becomes easier when we truly understand its purpose and value. It’s not about the other person or what they did. It’s about us, our peace of mind, and our freedom from the past.
In today’s world, this quote is highly relevant. We live in a time where grudges are held, past mistakes are constantly brought up, and people struggle to let go of their pain. This inability to forget and forgive can lead to lifelong bitterness, broken relationships, and even conflicts between communities and nations.
In terms of personal development, the ability to forget and forgive is a powerful tool for emotional growth. It helps us move past our pain, learn from our experiences, and develop empathy and understanding. It allows us to make peace with our past, so we can focus on building a better future. It’s not an easy process, but as Mark Twain suggests, once we truly understand its value, it becomes less difficult.
