When someone makes a mistake but tries to justify it, the humane qualities within them begin to erode. Making mistakes and seeking forgiveness are moral and ethical traits of a person. However, committing a wrong and feeling no guilt, or shamelessly asking, “What did I do wrong?” after causing harm—while refusing to acknowledge the damage—indicates the potential for even greater crimes in the future.
The disease of not feeling remorse exists at both the individual and state levels. If a person admits their mistake, there is no crime that cannot be forgiven. Every crime can be pardoned—whether by fellow humans or by the Creator. However, certain offenses involving the rights of others require forgiveness from the wronged party before divine pardon can be granted.
Hurting someone, deceiving others, or having unresolved debts—these require forgiveness from the affected individuals. Those who commit wrongs yet feel no regret are nothing less than monsters. They are capable of committing any evil with ease. Forgiving those who seek forgiveness is a noble virtue. But forgiving those who justify their wrongdoings will only lead to greater harm.
Among the virtues of humanity, forgiveness is the highest. However, forgiveness must come from the one who has been wronged. Denying forgiveness to those who sincerely regret their actions diminishes our humanity. Conversely, those who lack guilt, refuse to humble themselves, or fail to show softness in their words—these individuals disrupt the peace of society. Their presence robs others of tranquility.
A person who lacks the capacity to judge their own actions or evaluate their conduct can sink lower than an animal. When conscience and reason fail, there is no heinous act they cannot commit. When humans become monstrous, they surpass the cruelty of true beasts.
Those who do not seek forgiveness, refuse to admit their faults, or lack the mentality to feel remorse should not be spared even for their smallest crimes. Indulgence allows such individuals to evolve into greater monsters capable of brutal atrocities. Those who hesitate to say “sorry” for even a minor mistake are often the same ones who dismiss their involvement in grave crimes with a laugh.
Forgiveness should be freely extended to those who ask for it. However, there can be no question of forgiving those who stand firm after committing serious wrongs. Forgiving such individuals only encourages the recurrence of their crimes on a broader scale. Forgiveness is indeed noble, but if granted automatically without acknowledgment of guilt, it fosters even more dangerous offenses.
Mistakes are inevitable—whether they arise from small errors or from the desire to maintain power and personal gain. However, it is important to investigate whether the person seeking forgiveness has a history of doing so and whether they are repeating the same mistakes. Forgiveness is undoubtedly beautiful, but if someone seeks it deceitfully and commits the same wrong again, pardoning them without consequence merely paves the way for future crimes.
At the personal level, this can lead to betrayal. At the societal level, it breeds disorder. At the state level, it fuels massacres carried out by those in power.
Let the spirit of repentance reside within all. Legal justice is a separate matter. Regardless of whether judgment is served, a person should cultivate self-reflection and accountability within their conscience. Whether the mistake is minor or severe, a person who lacks the desire for self-purification ceases to be truly human. Beneath the facade of humanity, they acquire a monstrous identity.
If a person cannot remain truly human in this life, then wealth and power hold no real value. Life gains meaning not through longevity but through respect and honor. There is no fulfillment in a life burdened with the hatred of others.
If the path to forgiveness is closed, if the tenderness of remorse is absent, or if the humility to bow before others is lost—then such a life remains deprived of light. Many stray into darkness after making mistakes, but the true fulfillment of life lies in emerging into the light. There is beauty in living through the forgiveness of others—and with forgiveness comes well-being.
