The Human Condition:

 

 

THE HUMAN CONDITION by HANNAH ARENDT

Excerpt

Arendt recalls Jesus of Nazareth emphasis on action, particularly the act of forgiveness, as an important point in history, since this discovery allowed us, not only God, the power to nullify past actions. This powerful act is the crucial point of Christ dying on the cross, reconciling the lost world back to God Almighty, given forgiveness’ ability to transform worldly situations.

Arendt writes:

“Only through this constant mutual release from what they do can men remain free agents, only by constant willingness to change their minds and start again can they be trusted with so great a power as that to begin something new.”

Whereas the desire for vengeance is automatic, the act of forgiveness is almost unpredictable because it( seems)to go against the natural responses. This more human element raises us above the animalistic reaction of revenge, because it frees both the forgiver and the forgiven.

 

 From the book:

50 PHILOSOPHY CLASSICS  by T. BUTLER-BOWDON