Does an excess of forgiveness become arrogance?
Meaning: by not holding others to the same measuring stick as yourself, is it implying your superiority over them?
2007-02-10 15:58:48 · 11 answers · asked by Diesel Weasel 7 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
You know, a lot of what Aristotle said may have been bull, but I believe this is actually true. An excess of forgiveness implies that you feel superior to the offender in some way, like, "I wouldn't do that. I'm better than that." You expect them to be as good as you are, and when they don't measure up, you feel the need to forgive them. It sort of is measuring people by a different standard.
Thus, I would say that excess of forgiveness does not become arrogance, but arrogance becomes an excess of forgiveness.
The trick, then, I suppose, would be to check yourself. Humility comes when we need others to forgive us, or we really look deeply at ourselves to find our own flaws as well. When we realize that we're not perfect, either, then the arrogance is gone and forgiveness is nothing more than an acknowledgement that others are not perfect either.
2007-02-10 16:16:00 · answer #1 · answered by ~*Bubbles*~ 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, actually it does. It becomes this simply because an excess of forgiveness implies that you have firstly, the right to forgive, but also secondly that that right imbues you with a special power. This right invokes the ego, or smaller, personal sense of self. This special power that is invoked, revolves around a personal sense of superiority, whereas true forgiveness is quiet, gentle and comes from a greatness within the person that asks nothing in return. The offense with the first is still remembered, the offense with the second is forgotten immediately.
So, I believe what Aristotle was suggesting was that "where forgiveness comes from, the motivation, plays an integral part in whether the forgiveness can become in excess as it is.
2007-02-11 00:17:08 · answer #2 · answered by Janet C 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I wish you quoted Aristotle, it would be easier. I personally don't believe that an excess of forgiveness becomes arrogance, but it shows a loving spirit and the ability to understand that no one is perfect, but God himself. How can forgiveness imply superiority,
it implies a loving human heart.
2007-02-11 00:14:31 · answer #3 · answered by flieder77 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think to some degree. Because you must have some feeling of superiority to constantly forgive people. However, more importantly, are you really forgiving them because they did something wrong, or are you allowing them the gift of your forgiveness? The latter would be considered an excessively arrogant statement. So if it's genuine, the answer is no, if it's for the benefit of your ego, then yes.
2007-02-11 00:07:48 · answer #4 · answered by sothisislife 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You presume that there can be such a thing as an "excess of forgiveness", which seems weird to me. This "measuring stick" you refer to cannot be a simple straight stick. People have different capabilities and capacities, talents and shortcomings. That which you forgive in others may be one of your own failings, or you may have others, more reprehensible, that you hope will, in turn, be forgiven.
Forgiveness is a tenet of many religions, especially Christianity, for example. One is to "turn the other cheek", as it were.
So, you can look at the capacity to forgive in yourself as a sort of savings account, wither temporal or spiritual. If you are a forgiving person, your family, friends and even strangers may be more apt to forgive your own shortcomings. Or, you may just be buying stock in your future life.
Think of it as charity, the greatest of virtues.
2007-02-11 00:13:38 · answer #5 · answered by gabluesmanxlt 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes it does indeed. Basic concept of fairness is to treat others as you would treat yourself. Jesus added to that: "Love your neighbor like you love yourself" (Not more, not less!)
Holding others to high standards demonstrates our respect for them (and for ourselves). Babying them is degrading (and reveals our low self-esteem)
Of course we should forgive. The key here is excess. It's a key to Aristotle's philosophy that any excess is bad and any reasonable mean is good.
2007-02-11 01:29:56 · answer #6 · answered by Alex G 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In a way, yes...its like saying- " I would never do this or that but for YOU I guess its o.k" Kind of like "I can't hold you to as high of a standard as I am on" ...and I guess it does imply a sort of superiority over them.
2007-02-11 00:02:08 · answer #7 · answered by Katie 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Not necessarily "superiority" in my opinion but a wider range of knowledge. You're just showing that you may know more on a topic than they would.
2007-02-11 00:02:12 · answer #8 · answered by azi g 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think so, but it would depend on how you measure yourself, wouldn't it? At least, that is how I see it...
2007-02-11 00:12:37 · answer #9 · answered by Anashuya 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Of course, it becomes sarcasm.
2007-02-11 00:05:18 · answer #10 · answered by Sophist 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋