Extending forgiveness is ruthless indeed. Thomas Hobbes makes the following observation in leviathan, that is thoroughly depressing and at first perhaps parado

Extending forgiveness is ruthless indeed. Thomas Hobbes makes the following observation in leviathan, that is thoroughly depressing and at first perhaps paradoxical. A person who wronged you will only ever be able to hate you afterwards: either because of fear for your vengeance, or because of distaste for your forgiveness. The positive action of forgiveness only applies to those who extend it; those who are forgiven are rendered impotent. it's somewhat of a manipulative act if it's not accompanied by magnanimity and reconciliation.