“To err is human; to forgive, divine.”
To err is human comes from the ancient Latin proverb errare humanum est and is attributed to the philosopher Seneca. It was later expanded to include perseverare autem diabolicum meaning but to persist [in error] is diabolical.
To forgive, divine was added by poet Alexander Pope in a poem he wrote in 1711, An Essay on Criticism.
I do find it interesting that but to persist in error is diabolical, meaning extremely evil, cruel or characteristic of the devil was changed later by a poet to be to forgive, divine. We will not address this change directly, but knowing this may increase our understanding as we address forgiveness in its many forms.
Because humans are flawed, we make mistakes. We err in our judgement, in our actions, and in the words we use with other people. These errors impact those around us and often the way we see ourselves. We will delve deeper into these impacts.
The granting of forgiveness takes a strength of moral character, a generous heart, and a love for others and oneself that is filled with compassion and understanding. A love strong enough to move beyond anger, revenge and resentment.
Much more to come.
To find out more about me and my work at Life Coach Advising click above. Jerome Hoffman, Life Coach and Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist