Elie Wiesel's The Joys Of Forgiveness

999 Words4 Pages

According to psychologists at the University of California, Berkeley forgiveness is the “conscious, deliberate decision to release feelings of resentment or vengeance toward a person or group who has harmed you” (“Forgiveness Definition”). Forgiveness is one of the most difficult parts of being human. However, forgiveness is necessary for the world to not only survive, but to also improve. In grade school we are all taught to be caring, honest, and trustworthy members of society. Not once were we told that the ability to forgive is also imperative in becoming a respectable person. Society must understand that forgiveness will not happen overnight. It takes effort and determination every day. Forgiveness is more than letting go of an offense, or giving it to the pain it causes. In order to live a happy life, people must have an attitude of forgiveness. As humans, we often feel the need to retaliate during times of suffering. Thoughts of retaliation can consume a person and make life unbearable. In Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand, Louie, a young U.S World War II soldier, struggled with posttraumatic stress disorder after being held captive in …show more content…

Wiesel holds the world accountable for its actions saying “shall I never forgive the world for having pushed me against the wall.” (xii). Elie does not want the readers to forget what the Jewish community had to endure. He says, that is why he will not forgive. A person can however allow an event to settle without forgetting the pain it caused. Forgiving an individual or a group does not mean what they did is okay, nor does it mean the victims do not deserve justice. Also, one cannot wait for an apology to forgive a person. Louie’s Japanese guards and Elie’s Nazi tormentors were too sadistic to consider apologizing. Forgiveness must come without anything expected in return. In other words, forgiveness is a one way

More about Elie Wiesel's The Joys Of Forgiveness