Forgiveness Quote by Abraham Lincoln
“On principle I dislike an oath which requires a man to swear he has not done wrong.It rejects the Christian principle of forgiveness on terms of repentance. I think itis enough if the man does no wrong hereafter.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Unknown, attributed to Lincoln
An oath demanding absolute innocence ignores forgiveness; focusing on future conduct is sufficient.
In simple terms: Future behavior matters more than past claims.
Key Takeaway
Judge by actions, not impossible promises.
Themes
ethics
forgiveness
law
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- legal oaths
- personal integrity
- rehabilitation
- conflict mediation
Key Concepts
morality
justice
Questions to Reflect On
- Is it fair to demand perfect past behavior?
- How can societies balance accountability and forgiveness?
A Different Perspective
Absolute innocence is often impractical and may be dishonest.
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