Benjamin Franklin – Forgiveness
“The best thing to give your enemies is forgiveness.”
Benjamin Franklin
Big Idea
Students are told to follow the path of empathy and forgive those who do them wrong. This mandate is relatively easy to follow when their friends slip up and do something bad to them. Forgiveness in these cases often results in stronger friendships. But they are hurt by their enemies as well and must decide whether or not forgiveness is really worth it with them. This is a vexing ethical dilemma for which there are no easy answers.
Claim
According to American diplomat and framer of the Constitution Benjamin Franklin, you should think of forgiveness as a gift to give your enemies. Revenge gets you nowwhere.
Counterclaim
Revenge is the best thing to give your enemies. Forgiveness is a sign of weakness.
Essential
Question
Should you ever forgive your enemies?
Student Video
The Tale of Despereaux – Forgiveness
One of my favorite texts to teach the theme of forgiveness is The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo. In this story, the main character provides a great example of the importance of forgiveness and ...
“A Poisonous Tree” – Forgiveness
Forgiveness is an important life skill for students. On the other end of that spectrum lies the potential damage of holding grudges. To help my students understand the poisonous nature of sustained an ...
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