No forgiveness, no future

Author: Desmond Tutu
Publisher: Zuoyan
Publish Date: 2005-02-01
Features: Written by Nobel Peace Prize laureate and former Archbishop Desmond Tutu, "No Future Without Forgiveness" explores how Tutu Archbishop elaborated on the challenges faced by South Africa as black people were newly liberated from the white apartheid government. The entire nation struggled with how to confront a tragic past and a resentful present, seeking a path for whites and blacks to unite and move towards a peaceful and bright future without falling into the trap of. Black leader Mandela and Tutu decided to promote the establishment of the "Truth and Reconciliation Commission" because they knew that the past would not disappear or quieten on its own, but would stubbornly linger and constantly haunt them unless they acknowledged and properly addressed it. Otherwise, the past could destroy their future. Moreover, "Those who do not remember the past are doomed to repeat it." On the other hand, they also emphasized the need for forgiveness towards those who had committed evil deeds in the past, as long as they were willing to admit their mistakes. Tutu Archbishop opposed a trial similar to Nuremberg because after the Nuremberg trials, the Allies could pack up and go home, but the South Africans would have to live with each other every day! Moreover, if victims remained filled with resentment, they might become what they hated. True forgiveness means settling the past, settling all of it, making the future possible.