“Forgiveness is a dream that belongs to another world.”

Original: Vergebung ist ein Traum, der einer anderen Welt angehört. — Reflects a pessimistic view of absolution in the mortal realm · Notebook entry, c. 1911 (German)

• Despair
• Dreams
• Mercy

“We must shun them, but do not curse them. Why add our malediction to God’s? Rather pity, rather lament their condition.”

Choosing compassion for the morally fallen over further condemnation · School essay, Filial Love, 5 August 1842, translated from French

• Faith
• Mercy
• Truth

“In the exercise of your duty, be tender of the lower classes; and as you are strong, be merciful.”

Linking authority with compassion towards those with less power · Letter to Walter Scott, 17 March 1821

• Compassion
• Duty
• Mercy

“There is no revenge in God's mind.”

Rejecting a conception of divine justice based on revenge · Essay, Thought Force

• Faith
• Justice
• Mercy

“What we need today in the onward march of humanity is a public sentiment in favor of common justice and simple mercy.”

A concise appeal for justice tempered by compassion in public life. · Address, A Brighter Coming Day, 1875

• Humanity
• Justice
• Mercy

“To forgive is to liberate a prisoner and discover that the prisoner was yourself.”

Original: Å tilgi er å sette en fange fri og oppdage at fangen var deg selv. — Highlights the profound personal healing that comes through forgiveness · Moral reflection (Norwegian)

• Freedom
• Healing
• Mercy

“Willow trees are kind, Dear God. They will not bear a body on their limbs.”

A poignant reflection on the mercy found in nature · Short story or column (commonly attributed)

• Death
• Mercy
• Nature