This quote by Denis Diderot suggests that the act of forgiveness is deeply intertwined with our emotional responses to others. To forgive someone, we might be driven by love, indicating an understanding and compassion that allows us to move past the hurt. Love can motivate us to let go of resentment for the sake of maintaining a relationship or out of empathy for the flawed nature of humanity. Alternatively, fear can also compel us to forgive, perhaps out of a desire to avoid conflict, preserve harmony, or protect oneself from the repercussions of holding onto anger. In this sense, Diderot emphasizes that forgiveness is not simply a noble act but is influenced by the complexities of our feelings towards those who have wronged us.
Quote By: Diderot