Given are two quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context: (a) “The weak can never forgive; forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.” (b) “We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.”

Interpretation

Both quotations locate moral worth not in outward power but in inner strength: the courage to rise above resentment, and the courage to face uncomfortable truths.

(a) "The weak can never forgive; forgiveness is the attribute of the strong." (Gandhi)

Forgiveness is not passivity or weakness; it demands the strength to master anger and refuse the easy satisfaction of revenge. The weak retaliate because they lack self-control; the strong forgive because they command their own emotions.

In the present context, this speaks to communal harmony, restorative justice, and reconciliation after conflict. Nelson Mandela's Truth and Reconciliation Commission chose forgiveness over retribution to heal a divided nation. For a civil servant, it means responding to criticism or provocation with composure rather than vindictiveness.

(b) "We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light." (Plato)

Fear of the dark, of the unknown, is natural and forgivable. The real tragedy is fearing the light of truth, knowledge and self-examination, and choosing wilful ignorance and denial.

Today this warns against denial of scientific evidence, resistance to transparency, and refusal to confront one's own biases. A public servant who suppresses an inconvenient audit finding fears the light. Ethical maturity means embracing scrutiny, not hiding from it.

Conclusion

Together the quotes define moral courage: strength to forgive and honesty to face truth.