“If we see anyone who renounces his rights in regard to worldly matters and forgives even strangers, not to speak of relations, we should think of him as a good man. If we desist from beating up a thief or any other felon, do nothing to get him punished but, after admonishing him and recovering from him the stolen article, let him go, we would be credited with humanity and our action would be regarded as an instance of non-violence; a contrary course would be looked upon as violence.”
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Probable attribution
This saying is widely associated with Mahatma Gandhi, but the attribution is not supported by a reliable primary source.
Likely origin: Gandhi, 'The Bhagavad Gita According to Gandhi' (Gita commentary/discourses) — on forgiveness and non-violence toward a thief or wrongdoer.
About this quote
Real forgiveness costs something: giving up a right you could rightfully enforce. Choosing to correct a wrongdoer and release him, rather than press for punishment, treats the person as still redeemable. It's harder than retaliation and only counts when you actually had the power to strike back.
When to use it
- A shop owner catches a teen shoplifting, talks to him, takes back the goods, and doesn't call the police.
- A manager addresses a colleague's mistake privately and lets it go rather than filing a report.
- A neighbor whose fence was damaged asks only for repair and drops the matter.