Forrest

I was thinking the other day, as I will inevitably do, about the power of movies.  Films have an incredible impact on our lives, whether it's a direct inspiration or an indirect idea that serves to subconsciously push us toward action.  Forrest Gump was on my mind today.  Obviously there's tons to glean from the story - rising up out of anonymity to become great, never letting anybody get you down, believing in the power of positive thinking - but I was thinking about one aspect in particular.  Forrest was always in love with Jenny.  Even when she was off living the hippie lifestyle, shagging every man she could find, and consuming any sort of drug she could lay her fingers on, Forrest hung out and forgave her.  I mean, he still lived his awesome life, but he didn't pursue anybody else.  Perhaps he didn't know any better.  But I think that makes it a whole lot easier sometimes.  Overthinking and holding grudges usually doesn't make us happier people.

Forrest deserves admiration.  He forgives people.  When he is being made fun of or taken advantage of, he remains positive and naive.  We always look at naivete as a bad thing, as a sign of innocence or stupidity.  But what if it's something greater than that?  What if it's exactly what people need to be successful in this world?  I mean, our world is filled with hate and anger and an eye for an eye mentality.  If you hurt my feelings, for example, then I'd be remiss if I didn't hurt yours.  But where does that get us?  Two people are sad, instead of just one.  I don't need to whip out my utility calculus to know that that doesn't make anybody happier. 

So what's wrong with forgiveness?  Turning a blind eye to the mistakes of the past?  Dwelling not on what we did, but rather what we do?  Wouldn't we all be in a better state?  Holding grudges and being angry is, I will grant you, an effective defense mechanism.  But maybe we have too much pride.  What if we didn't need that defense mechanism in the first place?  Abandon our pride, throw away our hurt, and just forgive.  Forrest forgave.  His love lasted beyond whatever Jenny could throw at him.  When she finally learned what she needed, Forrest was there.  He wasn't cold or admonishing.  He was a pillar of steadfastness.  An example.  He wasn't hurt because he chose not to be.  Why can't we all make that choice? 

Getting even may make us feel better in the short term.  But I think it will screw us up in the long term.  It's time to try forgiveness.  Things just might get a little brighter.