Forgiveness is a moment when the individual rises above their nature and society above its history.

If a society forgives, then history stops. The person who asks for or gives forgiveness desires the end of history; they wish for history not to record their actions or their consequences any longer, not necessarily to erase them but to exclude them from the flow of events.

Forgiveness is an active movement. It involves the relinquishment of anger, the desire for revenge, and resentment, as well as the desire for retribution for the harm you have suffered.

In essence, you free the other person from what connected you, from the loss they caused you, and from the expectations you may have had.