Forgiveness Quote by Paul Scott
““But it isn’t the best we should remember,’ she said, and shocked herself by speaking aloud, and clutched the folds and mother-of-pearl buttons in that habitual gesture. We must remember the worst because the worst is the lives we lead, the best is only our history, and between our history and our lives there is this vast dark plain where the rapt and patient shepherds drive their invisible flocks in expectation of God’s forgiveness. *””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Jewel in the Crown, 1966
The quote suggests we focus on our worst experiences because they define our present lives, while the best are merely past memories, and between them lies a bleak unknown awaiting divine forgiveness.
In simple terms: We remember our worst because it shapes us, not our best.
Key Takeaway
Acknowledge and learn from hardships.
Themes
suffering
memory
forgiveness
existential
reflection
Mood
melancholic
contemplative
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- personal crises
- therapy
- spiritual contemplation
- ethical decision-making
Key Concepts
existentialism
theology
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance remembering pain with appreciating joy?
- What role does forgiveness play in personal growth?
A Different Perspective
It may overlook the value of hope and positive memory.
